Public Schools Serve a Public Interest for All
It has been interesting to watch the General Assembly discuss current and potential new laws that will impact public education. On the one hand, members of the General Assembly criticize public school effectiveness when it comes to teaching and learning - based on assessment programs, standards and other indicators; on the other hand, they want to open more schools and other non-public school options that would be exempt from most of the heavy-handed standards and procedures that the General Assembly requires localities to follow for accountability. For example, new charter schools and private schools would be exempt from having licensed teachers and from meeting accountability measures for math, English, science and social studies. If exemption of standards and accountability measures are good for those not attending public schools, then public schools should have the same freedom.
Children who do not want to earn a public school diploma and meet the stringent requirements to earn a cap and gown and walk across the stage for a Virginia high school diploma can now wear a public school cap and glove and play sports. Public school students have to meet 13 requirements to play sports, including passing grades and mandatory attendance rules; this would be exempted for home-schooled children. I support a parent’s right to send their child to any school they believe is in their child’s best interest. I also believe that once a parent decides to remove their child from public school, that parent can’t pick and choose which public school programs they want their child to attend. Some may argue that because they pay taxes, they are entitled to these programs. But all of us can think of programs we pay tax dollars to support yet receive no direct benefit. I do not plan to take a bed at our state prisons, but I understand that the $33,000 per inmate we are paying is in the public interest as it applies to safety. There is also public interest to make sure all children are properly educated and work towards self-sufficiency and eventual employment.
Instead of criticizing public education and educators, it would be nice if the General Assembly realized that we teach every child, regardless of color, language, religion, socio-economic background, giftedness, or disability. We educate over a million children in Virginia and 5,000 locally. We follow the rules and mandates that we often have never asked for and which drain our resources and limited funding. Why do members of the General Assembly whom have little to no public school experience believe they know what is right for public school children but that public educators don’t? No one has asked for these new laws and if the polls are correct the public is not supportive, either. People are very satisfied with Virginia Public Schools (VCU 2011 Poll on Public Education).
Can public schools improve? Yes, of course we can. However, this year has been the year to make public education sound like it is the root cause of all societal flaws. More support from our Richmond leaders and a greater appreciation of the hard work of the 100,000 public school educators would go a long way. Like the Statue of Liberty, we provide hope and a future to many children who often see no hope or brightness ahead. We cultivate great minds and create the next generation of leaders, thinkers, artists and adults. We are already striving to do everything possible to make sure our children - all children - are successful and ready for the opportunities that await them.
You can reach the Superintendent at skizner@harrisonburg.k12.va.us or 540-434-9916.