It is true many students lost their schools and some 372,000 had to be adopted by neighboring school districts and states. There are several ideas to give the kids and schools the best opportunity for success. "Let's have every campus in the regions where displaced students are temporarily residing - every public, private or charter school - compete for these kids. For each student who enrolls, the schools should receive $7,500 in federal funds - which is the current average annual cost per pupil in the public schools, according to the Texas Education Commissioner" (Goodman, 2005). I think this is a great idea because it will give both the students and parents more latitude without overwhelming each school.
The article makes an interesting point about the schools not necessarily being the best fit for a student if only judged externally. I would assume the best schools would be located in the most affluent areas, but this is not always the case. Goodman states, "You might be tempted to try wealthy Highland Park, suburban Plano or one of the pricier private schools. But that might not be the best option, particularly if you are minority, poor and your child is scoring well-below grade level." The fact is that certain schools are much more successful at educating minorities than others, and even more specifically some schools are more effective at educating either blacks or hispanics than other races. This is very interesting data and should be readily available to parents for guidance in their child's educational future.
There is even suggestion that mathematicians and scientists be allowed to teach without having ever taught. I understand the desire to attract the brightest minds to teach the brightest minds, but many "bright minds" do not have the disposition to be a teacher. It's one thing to bring in mathematicians and scientists because there is a shortage of qualified teachers, which I believe is a perfectly sound reason. However, the reality is if you are a mathematician or scientist worth your salt and have any social skills, the school system is not going to be able to afford you. Which brings me to my next point, these schools would have the ability to pay the teachers more in order to attract the best of the best to educate these students. I do not agree with this because it sounds like preferential treatment is being given to schools who are educating evacuees. There are many students in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metropolitan area not just the schools teaching evacuees. Every student would benefit from having the best teacher available. This sounds to me like political PR to smooth over tension because of the FEMA fiasco. The whole philosophy of equality is everyone gets an equal opportunity.
All in all I think the majority of this proposal was well planned. It would create beneficial competition amongst schools as different schools flexed their educational muscle demonstrating their strengths and weaknesses. The government would give assistance directly to the school to provide money for more teachers, and the educational needs of newly enrolled students. Giving the students and parents the opportunity to choose the best school for their needs provides the best opportunities for all. I do take exception to the salary increase because there are many great teachers who work just as hard but will not be compensated for their efforts because they do not teach evacuees.
I like this model for coping with the arduous circumstances a surplus of students provide. I think it would be very effective for school systems offering vouchers for students at underachieving schools to attend schools with higher achievement scores. I do not believe the current one in Tennessee provides information about school performance as specific as the demographics provided for the Texas schools. This is most beneficial for helping the student choose the best school. The only addendum I would make is pay increase would be issued to ALL teachers who demonstrated exemplary ability not just those teaching evacuees.
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