Baby Steps

So it's no secret that schools in urban areas are a bit challenged--just a bit--and Jersey City, NJ is no different. The city is the second largest in the state and for the last 19 years, its school district has had the distinction of coming under state control. According to the New Jersey Board of Education, that happens when a district displays an "unwillingness or inability to meet the state certification standards." From what I've experienced with the administration, my guess it was a healthy balance of both that brought the state to Jersey City.

Jersey City's school district is also an Abbott district, which is New Jersey-speak for a low-performing, financially-strapped school system. The combination means that students are made to take test after test to prove their proficiency at...test-taking. Teachers, principals, parents and students are understandably frustrated, and to add insult to injury, the tests have no connection whatsoever to promotion. Any child can score poorly (because they have test-phobia, were sick, or what have you) and still pass to the next grade. Students across the city are receiving extra instruction (Saturdays and after school) so they can score 'well,' but in truth their scores are connected to teacher performance, which is linked to principal performance, school ranking and ultimately, the district. NONE of it has to do with actual learning. When I first learned this a few years ago I was dumbfounded but still hopful that the tests had SOME use.

The next opportunity I got, I asked the district's director of curriculum and instruction if at the very least the tests prepared students for the SAT. As he pondered my question, his expression was a blend of wonder and confusion. Finally, he said, "You know what? I don't know."

That sealed the matter for me.

Anyways...I've dreamed for quite a while about starting a school--even before my own were school age and I much of the above. This morning, some exciting descriptors popped into my head that I had to put down somewhere. What if Jersey City had an independent school? What if it was (financially) accessible to all families? Independence would mean no reliance on the school district; accessibility would provide an options for people who can't afford private school fees.

How can this be? Well, that's the rub--and the beginning of what I know will be a long journey. I believe in good old-fashioned book learning, and I also think that progressive educational environments are not only for the wealthy. Hopefully there are some others who think so too and are willing to invest in such an idea.

More as it comes, but later for now...