Educate 2.

Photo By Daniel Galan

Why is this so hard for us to grasp. Educate kids.

A piece in the NYTimes has caused quite a stir on my Facebook page. This piece is about a set of Charter Schools showing success in Harlem. The CEO has her eyes on the big prize- educate. Good teachers, smart ever growing teachers- educate. This is a great message.

Charter schools though have caused a storm of conversations. It is a shame that we didn't get a glimpse of some great PS as well making wonderful leaps ahead as well.

My friend C didn't like the article. I understand her view too. I do think school reform and making an amazing learning can't be reduced to as simple as an answer of good teachers. Of course class size matters and so does length of your school day. Charter schools are not the only schools that are working hard to build intellectual communities, with many more challenges than the Charter Schools have. There are wonderful public schools also making the tough journey to educate and bring smart teachers aboard and to help give kids all that they need.

Apparently other news sources- like the Daily News- have revealed just how much these CEOs are making. Some close to 400,00 dollars. Makes me go, mmmmmmmm?

There is a lot to think about in this article- Charter Schools, programs matter, the effect of class size and school hours, and the ever thirsty curiosity of a teaching staff. Are schools a business or an intellectual community. We shouldn't be little the success of these schools without counting these things as factors.

As we look to Charter Schools that are working well, I hope we also look to Public Schools in the community that are as well making huge change and gains!

Another friend uploaded this article about a man in Colombia, who travels the countryside on Burro, to bring books to kids who have little access. It is a wonderful story. Again, I think it exemplifies the idea, educate.

Good conversations to have and talk about and read!

Keep reading about education.