Public schools are essential and deserve more praise than they receive

Oct. 14, 2016 | G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

Full disclosure: I’m the product of public schools. My late father taught at a public school. I’m also the graduate of a state university. I believe in the concept that public education has broken down barriers and provide opportunities in this country.

I know not everyone agrees. 

If there has been one public institution that has been the subject of on-going criticism, it’s been public schools. It’s been politically chic to look down one’s nose at public schools.

People have complained about how the curriculum varies from school district to another. When the concept of a common curriculum is developed, some people complain about that.

The conditions of school buildings have frequently been the subject of more criticism, but the idea of spending money on improving facilities has also been controversial.

Some course materials that are taught in schools have caused outrage over the years and yet at the same time, schools have been given the job of parenting by some people.

It is difficult for public schools to win in many discussions.

Consider, for a moment, the load public education has to shoulder. Schools must accept all students no matter what learning challenges come with them. They are not allowed to pick and chose.

School districts must satisfy educational demands and standards, but at the same time are hostage to funding that is out of their control.

They have to do things that parents should be doing and in fact must deal with the fact that too many parents seem to care little about their children’s education.

Teachers teach not because they are going to get rich, but because they have a calling to do so.  In my book, they don’t receive the respect they richly deserve.

Public schools are also very human institutions with many moving parts. They have a lot of factors to consider when it comes to the education of a child.

I was thinking about this topic as I’ve been speaking with school superintendents about the results of the latest MCAS testing. Local schools are seeing improvements, in some cases, very large advances.

It’s not been easy for them. Consider how administrators are now facing the phasing in of a new test – dubbed “MCAS 2.0” – that will be administered on a computer rather than on paper. This will be a new adjustment – one of many – for both teachers and students.

Improvements are being seen in other areas besides just better test results. There is interest in having partnerships between business and the vocational high schools. The owners of new Mercedes-Benz dealership in Chicopee have spoken about a relationship with Chicopee Comprehensive High School about developing service employees.

We’ve seen how Westfield Technical Academy has started a program to prepare students for jobs in aviation and now Springfield Public Schools just signed a memorandum of understanding with Tishman Construction that should lead for more students to see a pathway to construction jobs.

Public schools are not perfect institutions. As in all human endeavors they can do better and scrutiny and accountability are paramount.

At this time of the year when test results are released and the news is positive, though, public schools deserve both respect and thanks.

Sound of freedom or annoyance?

Here’s another full disclosure: I’m the son of a career Air Force officer who spent two tours at Westover back in the Strategic Air Command heyday. I’ve heard airplane noise for about as long as I can remember.

Perhaps that’s why it doesn’t bother me. I find it reassuring and the latest flap about the noise produced by fighter jets seems odd to me.

Wouldn’t folks in Chicopee, especially those my age or older be used to the sound by now?

I know that being awakened by loud noise isn’t much fun, but I’m sure this will pass. In the meantime, be thankful for the local economy and our security that Westover is still an active Reserve base. Noise is a small price to pay.

Share this: