Coming from a public school in Denver, the contemporary issues in education we've recently discussed are no surprise to me. I've seen some of these issues and their effects firsthand, especially the school of choice system. Just as in "The Lottery," children's academic careers, confidence, and futures are determined according to what school they attend. If you can buy your way get the great schools, you're one of the lucky ones. Often, as the case for the majority of public school students, children are shut out and deprived of great resources, teachers, and academic achievement. I was one of those children.
However, I didn't let that stop me. Even though I went to public schools for 12 years, I am currently attending one of the most respected colleges in the nation. I believe I am there because of my public school experience.
I know that academic success isn't impossible for public school kids, and I want to instill that belief within the public school system. Too many times, I've seen kids, families, teachers, and schools degrade themselves and hinder their potential because they go to a public school. What most don't see is that public schools offer so many unique elements that can be useful to students. Public school kids (in my experience) are typically exposed to more diversity and thus have the social skills to deal with all types of people. Also, most of the public school students I know are extremely street savvy and can navigate their way around all kids of urban situations. These are tools and talents provided by the public school experience! Just because academic performances aren't as great as they could be, it doesn't mean these students are not as smart as their private or charter school counterparts. Public schools offer education in multiple ways, not just academics. More emphasis needs to be put on the benefits of the public school system and we need to look at public schools as a way to provide an interesting, intriguing education to our nation's children.
I think throughout this course, we'll see just that. I'm extremely interested in seeing what kind of innovations are actually happening within our schools, and their impact on the public school system and the futures of our children. I have nothing but high hopes and positive intentions for these next two weeks and cannot wait to share my experience with others!
- Acelynn
