News, announcements, and commentary for the students and families of GAMP.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Is it possible to have education reform that actually works?
Obama's Congressional address last night cited some grim statistics about the current job market and education:
"Right now, three-quarters of the fastest-growing occupations require more than a high school diploma," Obama said. "And yet, just over half of our citizens have that level of education. We have one of the highest high school dropout rates of any industrialized nation. And half of the students who begin college never finish."
It goes without saying (I think) that the students of Girls' High will continue to beat this statistic, but with that said how do you react to it? Is education in our country really that bad off? If so, what are some steps that we should begin to take in our school and district to encourage students to think towards and beyond graduating high school? What motivates you to push for academic excellence?
Before responding, reflect on what one of your peers (referenced in Obama's speech has to say about this issue South Carolina student becomes face of stimulus package.
The Philadelphia School District has also begun to take steps that look towards the future of our own district with a plan for academic excellence that stretches into 2014. As a student of the district, you are no stranger to new superintendents with wide-eyed missions. Do you think this newest mission will prove more successful than others with the support of stimulus money and a federal Obama administration seemingly invested in wide-spread education reform?
Share your thoughts, comments, and stories. You can never know the reach they may have on how this story plays out.
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4 comments:
I believe that the education of the United States is off a little and that most americans do not take it seriously. In other countries, education is all they have so they study and work harder than most Americans. What is sad is that over seas in those countries they don't have any job opportunities so their education does no one any good.
In the way of fixing this problem I do I agree with Dr. Ackerman about promoting art, music and gym programs in school to get students more involve. I do not agree with her idea of shutting down schools because they are "poor in academics". There must be another way to encourage learning in the school district. Perhaps introducing new and different techniques that can help students absorb more material and understand the concepts being taught can be a way to help Philadelphia's situation.
To add to the things that could help, another one of Dr. Ackerman's ideas seems worth a try. She said that decreasing the size of kindergarten classes was in her plans. With smaller classes there is I think there is a better chance of success for the student because of the likelihood of more questions being answered and a stronger connection with the teacher.
That's what I think
Marian Jenkins
Kelly Lam
Period 6
I believe that it is a student's number one priority to attend school to receive a worthy education. In my opinion, the United States has some under-achievers and some that reaches the level of satisfactory. For instance, Girls' High has provided a rigorous preparation for college. Whereas, community high schools does not learn at our level. In other words, discipline is the key to success. In the United States of America, we attempt to give every child an education. In developing countries, children do not have access to these advantages. One circumstance to obey while you are in the hands of the school district is to try with your full potential, embrace the materials that are presented to you. I believe that no one can force you to do well in school, it is your decision. What makes a student strong in his/her academic career? It is the own individual himself. I do assume that the plan of 2014 will be an accomplishment. I can visualize students communicating with one another, behaving in an orderly manner, and grasping an appropriate learning experience.
I believe that Dr.Akerman is doing what she believes is right for our school district. Although i agree with some of it, i do not agree 100% because shutting down schools is putting children or young adults who were not possibly the best in school out of school or forcing them to go to a high acedemic school where they may possibly be put on acedemic probation or even get kicked out. I think pushing forward extra art,gym, and music classes will help students get more involved and possibly help them put the positive energy into there regular classes. Also, living in America is supposed to be a chance for a safer life, better jobs, and a better education yet the schools in other countries seem to be the top priority with no where to go after that. I think our Pihladelphia school district should have more attention from the higher powers or our country. Those are the thoghts that come to my mind when i think of the ideals being pushed forward.
Christina
I kinda agree to Dr. Ackerman idea, like the part where she say she will push forward extra art, gym, and music classes which will help students get more involved in school. But I disagree with others that she say she is going to close down schools. It is a waste of time closing schools then reopen them because every minutes in people life means "money", therefore, we shouldn't be wasteing thses times. There might be a better way that kids wouldn't lost any mintues in enducation and that school will be better. This year, many changes have been made in school and there are jsut too many pressure for students. WHich it is hard to focus. I mean like it will be better if the Pihladelphia school district aren't giving us too much pressure because that is what makes some kids want to drop out of high school and would rather find a job. Also, people can't just force other people to a high acedemic school. This is America, people have RIGHTS to do what they want, it is their life not your life, nobody can control anyone!
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