I may be retired, but once an educator, always an educator.
It's that time of the year when Honolulu Magazine publishes their annual public school grades. I haven't seen this year's issue yet, but I did read an article by current Superintendent Christina Kishimoto, and I applaud her for sharing her thoughts in "Grade everybody or grade no one, but be fair to public schools." Finally, someone is speaking up about the injustice of grading public schools using test scores as the measure of success.
Four years ago, I wrote this blog titled, "Grading Our Public Schools." As the principal of our school, I was proud of our teachers and our students. I knew that everyone was invested in providing our students with an education that would help our students to navigate their world.
Our public schools are vastly different from private schools; I have worked in Title I schools, military-impacted schools, and an upper-middle income school. I also worked for several summers at a private school. We cannot compare the challenges that each public school faces. Using performance data only to grade schools is demeaning to all the staff at schools who are working so hard to show their students that they care and who encourage them to make the most of their opportunities. Dr. Kishimoto mentions a high school that is showing growth and despite their geographical isolation, has qualified for the FIRST Robotics world championship. Additionally, students at this school are taking dual college and high school credits in record numbers. Yet, they are graded an "F" in the ratings by Honolulu Magazine. I know that when schools are not recognized for their growth, their innovative ideas to engage students, or their positive school culture, it can be demoralizing.
Educators are optimists; we believe in our students. We want the best for them because we know that we are preparing them for their future. I suggest that Honolulu Magazine devote a section in each issue to focus on great things going on in our public schools. I also believe that if more people spent time volunteering in public schools, they would see how each school is different and how each one is addressing the needs of their students in creative, engaging, and empowering ways. We need the public to be more involved in our schools; maybe then, the perception will change.
