Dear Editor:
Do your kids go to a good school? I wonder how often parents ask this question.
In Maui, Lokelani Middle School, which serves a low-income neighborhood, received news that they had met the government's criteria and would be fully funded for the next year.
The parents celebrated and the students rejoiced.
Why? Oddly, not because the students had learned so much while preparing for the State Test, nor that they had been offered so many rich experiences in music, art, science laboratories or local history and, not even because they were the first school in the area to meet the standards.
Rather, they celebrated because the principal had informed the students and their families that if the school didn't meet the magic number on the standardized tests, all those frilly classes (art, music, physical education, home economics, wood shop, and others) would be cut back or eliminated so teachers could spend more time preparing students for the tests.
The government bases the school's funding on the results of the test. Well, the news was good because the school met the mandated goal and was deemed a good school.
I think I know what a good school is but, that is based on my assessment and not on the results of a standardized test. We are fortunate to have good schools all over this area.
My idea of a good school is one that:
o has a group of teachers and staff members who want the best for every child.
o has a 'secret' cupboard with food for the kids that come to school hungry.
o offers a wide variety of educational experiences to students because we all learn differently.
o accepts every student who comes to school regardless of ability or disability, race, religion, language or socio-economic status.
o provides plenty of ways for parents to be involved.
o has the resources available to support every child's learning.
o lets kids play... at recess, on teams, with instruments and while they learn.
o is an important part of the neighborhood and the community.
I don't have a simple test that can measure these criteria. I know that by going to the school regularly, through talking to teachers and staff, and by asking my kids "What did you do at school today?" I can figure out if they go to a good school.
Kevin Epp
Okanagan-Skaha Teachers' Union
Penticton