Learning about education has been an extremely enlightening process.Over the last few months I have come to a small understanding about education in Maine; which makes me realize I have a tremendous more to learn. As a parent I try to be objective and positive as my children are out there in the public school system and I hope for nothing but the best. Then a certain reality sinks in. Our education systems are not fool proof and being involved sometimes dredges up an understanding of things that create a sense of unease, especially when it comes to our children.
Getting involved sometimes proves to be difficult when some that are more involved in the school systems don't want to let you in.There can be a feeling of intimidation if you don't know someone or are unsure of how some things work. There certainly are more politics involved in our school systems than should be. I read articles about where are schools are headed; and I read about who is leading the meetings, making the decisions and watch them mull over statistics and policy. Does everything always have to be about statistics, or is it going to be about action? In my opinion this is completely about action. However, in order to perpetuate change, the statistics are necessary.
So let's make it more than that. What if it took you, as a parent, to make sure your child graduated high school and found his or her niche in society. We can not only leave it up to our education system to have every child meet his or her full potential. We must stop playing the blame game. Yes, the teachers are supposed to be teaching, but in a educational system that has difficulty keeping up with technology, thanks to inevitable yearly cost cutting and as the continuation of the 'us vs. them' mentality becomes more universal thanks in part to our economy, we see it's just not working.
This is why I support the Prepare Maine initiative which has been carefully crafted by the Maine Coalition for Excellence in Education. Launched in the spring of 2010 their initiative has helped spark an education movement throughout our state. They look at our school systems, businesses,communities and parent involvement as an orchestra, piece by piece, instrument by instrument, to bring them together in a symphony, expertly composed.
This is not about the educational elite, or only PTA parents, it is about you and how you can be more involved your child's education, and more importantly, their future. It is going to take a community action to get our education system working for the children. Does it mean you need to make every meeting at school or volunteer for every function? It is more than that. Making sure your child is progressing and ready for the next year is necessary. Don't allow your child to slip through the cracks.
Since statistics rock the boat, here are some stats that turned my head : 3,800 students didn't graduate from high school last year as they should have, fewer than half of the 11th graders met only basic learning standards in math, science, reading or writing, and between 25% and 44% of Maine students who go on to college require remedial courses. (information from www.preparemaine.org ) It's true that those that don't graduate become a liability to our state and our future. I don't want my child to become that part of the statistics.
Prepare Maine has solutions. Solutions that are met with high regard for those that are working for a better system for your child. Their supporters and partner list is exemplary. Teachers of the year, businesses and business leaders, community groups, and a list of growing support from parents just like you. This is a statewide call to action.
Knowledge really is power. It is not just a cliche'. Help your child succeed in this ever changing society. Things are not the same as they once were. It only takes a few moments to check homework, point them in a direction for upcoming community events, listen to them read to you while you cook dinner, or glance at this website while checking your messages to see what you can do to be a part of Maine's future.
As Gandhi said, "Be the change you want to see in the world." And that change starts in our homes and in the lives of our own children. If we do not help pave their path to success...who will? As parents our priorities shouldn't be pointing fingers and stating what others have done wrong...it should be about holding out our hands and asking "How can I help?". Good for you Jackie.
ReplyDeleteThis is great Jackie. It really hits the spot of what Im going through with my 16 year old Tyler. I dont know if you know it, but as of yesterday after some difficult times, of thoughts, and reasons, and why and how, I had to legally withdraw my son from high school. He gotten to the point of he was not going to be able to graduate with his class, and it really did a number on him to point he gave up. I tried everything I could do, punishments and to try to help with his work, but nothing I did succeeded. Of course that makes me feel like a failure as a mother, but also as a mother, I had to do what was best for him, as he was heading downhill fast emotionally. So, I withdrew him, and am in the process of finding other ways. I asked the school about online schooling so he could still get his diploma, but of course because hes not going to their school, they wouldnt help. So now Im on my own trying to find something for him. I am really disappointed, but it is what it is. I am for sure making sure the rest dont foloow the same path. Kudos to you on this blog.
ReplyDelete~Kerri
That is tough Kerri. It must heartbreaking. He's not the only teen that has received an online diploma. There are available and credible places out there.
ReplyDeletewww.pennfosterhighschool.com
www.cmacademy.org
Here are two places that offer online classes.
I wish you and Tyler the best.
Kerri - was Tyler ever on an IEP? If so the school can supply a tutor to help get his credits to graduate. I see the schools putting such an emphasis on pushing kids through the system, with no care toward the ever increasing emotional child. Students have changed and I am not sure that our teachers, schools, and communities are prepared to meet the needs of today's youth. I think groups like Prepare Maine are on the right track ... not only talking and advocating for better things for out kids...but giving parents, teachers, schools, and communities the tools they need to change.
ReplyDelete