The following are essential:
1.
Recognize that Class Size Matters. Drastically
reduce class size. We currently have one of the largest class sizes in the
state. This greatly inhibits the ability of our students to learn and thrive.
2.
Educate the Whole Child. Invest to
ensure that all schools have recess and physical education equipment, healthy
food offerings, and classes in art, theater, dance, and music in every school. Offer
world languages and a variety of subject choices. Provide every school with a
library and assign the commensurate number of librarians to staff them.
3.
Create More Robust Wrap-Around Services. The
Chicago Public Schools system (CPS) is far behind recommended staffing levels
suggested by national professional associations. The number of school counselors,
nurses, social workers, and psychologists must increase dramatically to serve
Chicago’s population of low-income students. Additionally, students who cannot
afford transportation costs need free fares.
4.
Address Inequities in Our System. Students
and their families recognize the apartheid-like system managed by CPS. It
denies resources to the neediest schools, uses discipline policies with a
disproportionate harm on students of color, and enacts policies that increase
the concentrations of students in high poverty and racially segregated schools.
5.
Help Students Get Off to a Good Start. We
need to provide age-appropriate (not test-driven) education in the early
grades. All students should have access to pre-kindergarten and to full-day kindergarten.
6.
Respect and Develop the Professionals. Teachers
need salaries comparable to others with their education and experience. They
need time to adequately plan their lessons and collaborate with colleagues, as
well as the autonomy and shared decision-making to encourage professional
judgment. CPS needs to hire more teaching assistants so that no students fall
through the cracks.
7.
Teach All Students. We need stronger
commitments to address the disparities that exist due to our lack of robust
programs for emergent bilingual students and services for students faced with a
variety of special needs.
8.
Provide Quality School Facilities. No
more leaky roofs, asbestos-lined bathrooms, or windows that refuse to shut.
Students need to be taught in facilities that are well-maintained and show respect
for those who work and go to school there.
9.
Partner with Parents. Parents are
an integral part of a child’s education. They need to be encouraged and helped
in that role.
10.
Fully Fund Education. A country
and city that can afford to take care of its affluent citizens can afford to
take care of those on the other end of the income scale. There is no excuse for
denying students the essential services they deserve…
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.