Public School Accountability

Posted by Connie Newbauer Jan 6, 2007

Attitudes of educational complacency are running rampant in society. It is much easier to accept things the way they are rather than stir up the pot of change. To make a change means an inspiration must be followed by tireless action – powered by a limitless energy to make a difference. Far too many of us turn from challenges requiring any additional thought or devotion.

In respect to our public schools, there seems to be a limitless cycle of blame when children do not succeed. Administrators blame teachers who blame parents who blame administrators who blame parents…etc. etc.

When child(ren) are passing, even by the skin of his or her teeth, all-right seems to be good enough for everyone involved. Unfortunately, this complacency on the part of administrators, parents and teachers alike are making American children educationally bankrupt. It is simply much too easy to accept the status quo than to be a force for change.

Why does this remain so? There are far too hands in the community remaining idle while our children suffer. As a community of educators (administrators, teachers and parents) together, we need to set the academic bar much higher and hold both students and educators accountable for the outcome - and remember - parents are definately part of this equation as educators!

One basic question remains: Is the educational failure of our students the result of unclear goal setting; in other words, do any of us really understand what high standards are for children?

For the sake of the future, educators in every position, need to find the answer to stem the tide of ignorance so prevalent in our students when compared to European countries.