Barbara M. Parramore: Common sense needed in education

While reading the April 21 Point of View “Too hasty on Achievement School Districts,” I was reminded of the book, “Whatever Happen to Common Sense?” Dead and buried it seems in law-making halls of the Old North State.

Andy Overstreet and Henry Johnson sensibly pointed out that achievement schools lack measurable effectiveness. Of course, schools need more resources and support.

It makes more sense to apply the concept to all public schools. This would save tax money drained away by private companies and provide a school’s leadership and staff more opportunities to address its unique needs.

Principals and teachers of public schools would welcome more flexibility and autonomy and exercise it responsibly. As the authors ask, why shouldn’t all public schools be able to benefit from the strategies allowed achievement schools?

As a school principal, I often asked the students what they thought ought to be done about a problem. Once, enrollment projections were off so much that we had two very overcrowded first-grade classes. When asked for advice, the children said “get another teacher and another room.”

Common sense needs resurrecting in public education policy and practice.

This story was originally published April 24, 2016 at 2:00 PM with the headline "Barbara M. Parramore: Common sense needed in education."