Is Public Education Today Really Equitable?

Hey, folks!

Do you ever wonder if the DOE is doing the right thing as we move into this age of greater accountability in our nation’s schools? Districts have grown so large that teachers do not feel known or appreciated. Tested subjects are the focus in schools where large numbers of minority and low income students attend. Teachers are continually bombarded with more to do as we endeavor to eliminate the achievement gap without reassessing what can be taken off their plates in exchange. Billions of dollars are spent each year on public education, and we are still not seeing the results we had hoped for. I am concerned about a lot of things in education, but especially about the resulting narrowing of curriculum for all students. Are the needs of all students being met through when we cut back time spent on social studies and science? Is this equitable practice for kids in poverty who do not have the opportunity to learn these important subjects outside of school? Is a reduction in educational opportunities for middle and high status students driving them to charter schools who are able to maintain their rich content and course options?

What might be the unintended consequences of narrowing the curriculum for public school students? I’d like to know your thoughts. Are you concerned about this? Whatever your answer, I’d like to know why.

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