Fixing DC schools?????!!?

Question

After watching Waiting For "Superman" and paying attention to test scores and statistics 
having to do with education, I suddenly want to be involved and I want to make a difference. I used to want to be a doctor, but now I want to be a teacher and try to work my way up to a school district chancellor. Whenever I tell people this, they say it's impossible. When I told my dad, he said there was really not much hope and that it's very unlikely that the schools could be fixed. It disappoints me that right in our nation's capital the schools there have the lowest percentage of proficiency in reading and math and perfomance/scores overall. I realize that these students who live in Camden, Bronx, Compton, D.C., etc.. are a part of the USA. They too are the ones that that rank 25th in math and 21st in science along with the rest of the American students. I am always thinking of ways to teach children and ways to make them interactive and enjoy the class. Then when I go and tell people about them, they never take me seriously, they only see me as a 13 year old who just dreams, as if I was a fan girl who thought I would marry Bieber( not that I'd want to anyways, haha, but that's not the point). Perhaps reminding them that they too are a part of something, that they truly matter, that they deserve better; will that motivate them? Will being a part of the picture keep them going? Will reassuring them that they could revolutionize the world or perhaps paint they're own picture give them the desire to learn? Will making connections to teenage things or speaking the language of children and teenagers give them the desire to interact and learn? I was always happy when we got those supply goody bag things in 4th grade and 5th grade. Has receiving the short end of the stick made them feel neglected and less motivated? I really want to help people. I do not care if I'm a doctor or a teacher, I would be happy as long as I helped atleast 1 person. How can we fix this?

Professor Ray · Accepted Answer

I empathize with your curiosity on the subject of 'fixing public schools,' unfortunately, the reality is that one person cannot change an institution, not least from the outside. I commend you for your interest in wanting to help others as I too changed course in my studies to become a lawyer, having since become an educator. My career path is drastically different from what you desire in working with American public school students, but that is neither the here nor there.

I recommend you focus on the BIG picture. For starters, do not be concerned with what anyone, family or friends, think regarding your ambition. Your life is yours to live. Some people may be upset with your decision and desire to, as they may see it, squander your potential, but you cannot be concerned with that.

Secondly, focus your priorities around helping others now. Get involved with community organizations by volunteering, read as many English and humanities books as possible, and start researching colleges and universities that have suitable Master of Education (M.Ed) programs for you.

Third, stop worrying about the negative aspects and focus on what students need to succeed in the 'real world.' Various societal problems effect people differently and, again, one person cannot change or improve everything. Focus on an area that you want to contribute and plan accordingly. 

I strongly recommend you start your research with how and why curriculum and instruction methods are applied as they currently are. In my own opinion, curriculums and instruction methods are desperately outdated. Lecture based classes are of no use any longer as students need to develop applicable skills that they can put to use post-graduation.

In conclusion, do not blame others, especially teachers, as we all have a shared interest in improving schools. Parents, teachers and the government are the ones who have the most potential to make a change. If you really want to challenge yourself, start writing letters to local media outlets and your local government representatives. As well, utilize communication platforms to express your ideas and interest to the masses. 

A closed mouth doesn't get fed so let your voice be your ladder!

eberhardy · Answer

For what this is well worth, hardly ANY president in cutting-part cases has sent his little ones to DC public colleges. So, in all probability not. Given the added protection concerns, they shouldn't. they could decide on colleges which could accommodate the massive secret service hoard which would be trailing the two daughters. i be responsive to it fairly is the place "those human beings" belong... in inner city colleges and not some swanky private college... besides the shown fact that this is in all probability not gonna take place.

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Fixing DC schools?????!!?

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