Modified Fri, Dec 04, 2009 04:46 PM
Family focus
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close xAs the new Wake County school board members try to improve the school system, it strikes me that they are fighting a losing battle. They are focused on low-income or ESL statistics, neighborhood schools, merit pay, etc. In reality the factors affecting the education of our children are found at home.
Generally speaking, children who come from a two-parent household where one parent stays at home have a higher likelihood of success. The stay-at-home parent can dedicate more time to helping a child prepare for school, assist with homework and volunteer in the classroom. Families who eat dinner together regularly also usually talk to their children more about the day, and this time provides more teaching opportunities.
Our society's shift to a greater number of single-parent homes and homes with two working parents is what is creating the inequalities among students. Some families are in these situations out of necessity rather than choice; however, a decline in values as well as a shift in material desires versus needs is resulting in more of these homes.
Unless the new school board can miraculously figure out a way to change this, then anything it does to fix the system will be a waste. The burden is on families!
Kim Moore, Raleigh
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Aiming too low
The N&O recently reported that U.S. Rep. Pat McHenry of North Carolina wants to replace Ulysses Grant on the $50 bill with Ronald Reagan. If that is a good idea, why relegate Reagan to $50? -
Academics only
Regarding the March 12 Point of View article "Tearing down policies that built Wake's schools": My experience of 40 years as a university professor, my birthplace Cuba of Armenian parents and my 15-year experience in México City as a professor in a graduate school gives me some insight on education, multicultural awareness, global economy and communication. -
In the schools: the diversity debate
A recent gathering of architects and planners listened as lecturers spoke of sustainable and resilient urban life. The professionals learned that walkable schools are one means of maintaining a healthy urban community. -
Not my spokesman
As a single mother and person of color, I am disgusted with the NAACP and the ignorance displayed during the meeting with the Board of Education. -
Friends the result
Instead of recognizing the cause of the frequent student reassignments - the high growth rate of Wake County - the new school board members insist on chasing a red herring. Diversity is not the problem. -
Starts at home
The next time you are in Raleigh (downtown, mall, park, bar, etc.), look around. Then look at yourself, then look around again. How many around you look like you? How many are different? How many of the different are together? Apart? -
Minority shortchanged
The current Wake County school controversy finds many fingers of blame pointed at the five conservative school board members. But, are they the root cause? -
Awaiting the fix
I sure hope our community leaders who dangle declining graduation rates and low test scores of the economically disadvantaged as justification for moving to neighborhood schools are truly concerned about the issue. -
Housing the answer
The solution to the current debate regarding Wake County schools is to have schools that are both economically diverse and neighborhood-based. To achieve this, we need diverse neighborhoods, not concentrations of wealth or poverty. -
Unimpressive scholars
From what I read on the scholars' presentations to the school board (news story, March 18), I was disappointed. They presented only findings based on information on the existing system, which has already been deemed flawed.
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