Who Do School Rankings Benefit?

Admin — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 01:26:06 +0000

Increased Interest in School Rankings

It’s difficult to remember a time when the public school system in this country was under greater scrutiny. Newsweek is running features on the subject, there are a plethora of sites online that cater to a growing demand for comprehensive school rankings, and that most vociferous of public speech mechanisms, the blogosphere, has enough to say on the subject of listing schools based on rankings. Now, the richest man in the world has stepped into the picture. In the summer of 2006, Bill Gates and his wife Melinda announced the education program goals of their charitable foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The announcement of the Gates’ proposed education goals couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time. The public education system in the country is under growing pressure to deliver amid increasing concerns that the country’s schools are churning out semi-literate youngsters who might be ill equipped to handle college level jobs in the real world. Proponents of school rankings insist that these listings give high school authorities a picture of where their schools stand overall. These schools, they argue, can thus be motivated to better their schools rankings. As well intentioned as the idea behind school rankings may be, there is enough to indicate that such listings may not always have the desired results on the quality of education offered at those schools that are placed lower in the rankings.

Effects of Low School rankings on Parents

All parents want to give their children the best possible education, regardless of their socio-economic status or which part of town they live in. That’s a given. It’s a different scenario when parents can afford to live in any part of town they choose, and have access to any number of schools for their children. But for parents who find that their children’s schools have been placed low on school rankings, it can be demoralizing to say the least. Such parents might find it difficult to motivate their children enough.

Effects of Low School Rankings on Teachers

A public school teacher’s job is an unthankful one, and for teachers in the low school rankings areas it makes a tough job even harder. And it’s really difficult to teach in a poorly funded and low-income school. Low school rankings can mean that funding for the school is considerably lowered, and this cuts into any programs that the school may have planned. Although there are some instances when low school rankings will qualify a school for extra help.

Effects of Low School Rankings on Students

Keeping dropout levels low in poor areas is tough enough without the added stigma of attending a “sub par” school. Does that mean we should eliminate school rankings to save student’s feelings? Of course not. But parents and administrators need to be aware of the both the benefits and pitfalls of the school ranking system.

By: Patricia Hawke

Sacramento Schools Find the Perfect Partner

Admin — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 14:22:02 +0000

Corporate sponsorship of public education has become an incredible boost for districts trying to meet stricter federal and state mandates on tight budgets. Organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Carnegie Corporation, and the Ford Foundation have invested billions of dollars in the nation’s public schools. While this is essential, the Sacramento Schools are focusing on an even more important partner in public education. The Parents.

Importance of Parent Involvement in Sacramento Schools

Sacramento Public Schools are under the usual pressure to raise test scores, meet budget requirements, and improve graduation rates of its students. And there are many methods that they are using to do it. But a look at the parent education program of the Sacramento Schools highlights an awareness of the importance of the home environment that often gets lost amidst the frenzy for higher test scores. Numerous studies have proven the correlation between parent education, involvement, and socio-economic status to student academic success. And recent attention on the alarming achievement gap between minority and white students is warranted. But where does the solution begin?

For the Sacramento Schools- it begins at home. Teachers in the Sacramento Schools are quick to point out that, as early as the pre-school years, an involved parent has a direct impact on a child’s success in school. Parents who don’t speak English, are high school drop-outs, or have financial problems are less able to support their children.

Programs for Parents at the Sacramento Schools

The Parent Support Services of the Sacramento Schools offers a variety of programs to improve parenting skills, help parents understand the educational system, teach English skills to speakers of foreign languages, and assist parents with skills needed to create a stronger family unit.

The first way of connecting parents with the Sacramento Schools is Parenthaven, an educational television show that parents can access without even stepping foot outside of their home. However, the goal of Sacramento Schools is to attract parents to the schools. The Parent Project Jr.® and the Parent Project Sr.® are classes offered to teach parents methods for improving family communications, and working with “strong-willed or out of control children.” The junior class is for parents of 5-10 year olds, and focuses on choosing appropriate friends, family communication, and improving school performance, among other topics. Some of the issues addressed in the senior classes are dealing with children who hit or use drugs, gang involvement, and truancy.

Another outreach program is the Parent Teacher Home Visit Project. This is a joint effort of the local teacher’s union, a faith based community group, and the Sacramento Schools. The goal is to get past the blame and distrust that often exists between faculty and low-income families. Another community-based program for parents in the Sacramento Schools is Parent University. Over 70 different classes on topics from money management to family arts appreciation are offered throughout the year.

While high socio-economic status has always been associated with student achievement in the Sacramento Schools, administrators acknowledge that the education and involvement that comes with that status is more important that the actual income of a family. The Sacramento Schools is making a wise, long-term investment into the success of its students, by putting a focus on their most important partners- the parents.

By: Patricia Hawke

Education Economics » Melinda Gates Foundation

Who Do School Rankings Benefit?

Sacramento Schools Find the Perfect Partner