It’s amazing how foolishness has trumped common sense in government — again! In this case, the education establishment obviously voted to merely protect itself.
The State Board of Education’s meeting in August confirms its unqualified core value of the “system” being more important than the child. It’s amazing how board members think they exist in isolation and ignore what is happening around them. This behavior is either arrogance or foolishness. Either way, students and parents suffer.
The Department of Public Instruction’s staff presented to the board a manual for new standards in alternative learning. Alternative programs assist students who are at significant risk of failure. The placement is due to a student’s academic or behavioral actions and provides a “last chance” to help. Each system must provide at least one such alternative venue.
The manual covers a variety of topics and procedures to follow in administering the program. It even covers what to do when the program cannot meet a student’s needs. It is refreshing to hear the members of the education establishment admit they cannot meet “all needs.” DPI staff members drafted the document and included 14 placement/services.
They suggested charter schools, private schools, home schooling, community-based programs, community colleges, residential camps, and others. These suggestions are feasible, but not under the control of the “Blob” (education establishment). One could dream that the goal at this point would be the success of the student. A “whatever will work attitude” is especially needed in these situations to prevent another adult from living off the system, and possibly in prison. However, the board would not tolerate even a suggestion of these options.
Credit must be given to DPI for acknowledging educational options beyond traditional public schools. Parents and guardians of more than 169,000 NC students choose charter schools, home schools, and private schools. These practicable alternatives were listed in the document. However, before the board’s approval the following day, 11 of the 14 suggestions disappeared.
Only mental health services, juvenile justice services, and community-based services were listed in the final printing. In just a few seconds, without one word of objection from the board, all other options perished. Obviously someone on the board had expressed contempt for these viable education choices. Sadly, no one objected.
The guardians of mediocrity continue to maintain control and sustain their monopoly by ignoring possible options. One recipient of Children’s Scholarship Fund of Charlotte, a charity that financial assists poorer families who wish to choose other educational options, clearly illustrates that options are critical.
The student, a sixth-grade minority male, was disengaged academically and emotionally from school. The school suggested he be labeled “Behavioral Emotionally Disturbed” in order to receive services. The parents were advised to place the child on a prescribed drug, and hold him back a grade. The parents contacted CSF and obtained a scholarship. One year in a private school turned this student around. By the end of the year, he scored above national average on the Stanford 9 achievement test.
Members of the establishment say student success is their goal. Is it? While these folks scream against intolerance, they are the same ones who demonstrate intolerance of other educational options. Do they think they are above what is best for a child? Or is an individual child’s welfare considered? Amazingly, the “Blob” refuses to think outside of the box. Tragically, students are held hostage, and parents unaware.
Kakadelis is director of the NC Education Alliance.