Underperforming Public Schools

When I read the report from the Institute on Urban Health Research at Northeastern University, immediately I noted that while urban, public schools are underperforming, there are a number of Massachusetts charter schools, whose population is very diverse, in some instances, being more than 80-percent Black or Hispanic, and are outperforming their suburban peers.

For example, in Boston, the many urban schools that are underperforming are pretty much on their own and its only a matter of time before they're closed.

I'm sure that within the very near future the chatter regarding the underperforming schools in Worcester will become louder.  Worcester Public School Superintendent, Dr. Melinda Boone, will have to break the news to the public and I can only imagine what those town hall meetings will be like.  This is one time where, as in math, a negative plus a negative doesn't equal a positive.

So, what's the answer? 

Well, we can't expect folks to move their family from Worcester to towns such as Shrewsbury, Auburn, Millbury and Holden. Shoot, I'm sure the good folks of those towns don't want a ton of folks moving into their respective town and usurping resources (hey, I'm only being honest).

I've come up with a few solutions:

• Assess what is being taught at the charter schools, paying special attention to the teaching methods.
• Review the charter school's hiring practices.
• Implement longer school days.

While I'm sure you can add a number of additional items to this short list, I have to say that I purposely left "parent involvement" off the list.  From my experience, parent involvement at charter schools is very high and parents/ families are engaged and involved in school activities and pride themselves on such.  What's the reason? I honestly don't know.

Lastly, I would recommend every public school move to a "uniform" dress code. 

Students would be easily identifiable to their peers, the public and it dissuades the pressure that some children feel by not being able to afford the latest clothes and shoes.

It's a start, and I'm sure the researchers that drafted the Institute on Urban Health Research report are going to release some more information regarding their findings in early 2011.


I wonder if Superintendent Boone is working on her own report?

Grand Hustle 101: Providence Street Playground (cont.)

Remember when I wrote about the proposed $455k playground that is going to be built on Providence Street to benefit the Vernon Hill School? I wrote about it here, here and here .

Well, the construction has gotten under way and while there are new sidewalks and, generally speaking, there is no way that this playground cost $455,000!

If so, then I know that the playground has been aptly named "Grand Hustle".



I think it's time for Worcester to have it's own version of "The Ultimate Hustler" reality television show and topping the list of participants, in no particular order we would have:

• Paul P. Clancy, Jr., District 3 City Councilor
• Robert L. Moylan, Jr., Commissioner, Department of Public Works & Parks
• Michael V. O'Brien, City Manager
• Konstantina B. Lukes, Councilor-at-Large
• Melinda J. Boone, Superintendent, Worcester Public Schools
• Mauro DePasquale, Executive Director, WCCA TV13
  

I don't watch reality television shows, but rest assured that I'd be sure to tune in or set the DVR to record that bad boy! It would be straight comedy and great entertainment.



Maybe we can convince Andrea Ajemian and Kaz Gamble of "Worcester Love" and "We Got the Beat" to direct and film the show, and have Mike Benedetti of "508" be the host? But only if we can have Brendan Melican be the Trump-like boss that kicks people off the show or has the group complete an task such as carrying two fifty-pound weights, one in each hand, up and down George Street until there's only one person standing.

Hmmmmmmmmm.

It Ain't NO Joke!: Educational Jobs Cut in Worcester

Reading the news that some 124 positions will be eliminated and thus the children of Worcester are the ones who pay the price, on top of those teachers that will loose their job.

When are WE, in America, going to understand that education is the most important "tool" we can give our children?

People need to let their voices be heard!

Politics: Worcester On The Real

Now that Worcester has a new educational leader, I wonder if she'll be
given the time or, better yet, have the patience and God-given
strength to put up with the political jockeying that has already begun?

A quick obsevration, that I have, having lived in The Woo for 8-years,
is that there are "few" changes when it comes to politics and few
changes when it comes to the faces one sees on the City Council and
elsewhere.

I wonder what would happen if a young, smart female, who isn't on the
'in' with various families in The Woo, would stand a chance in running
for a Council seat? I really don't know if she could win.

With the President-elect being voted into office by an overwhelming 61-
percent that are White, I would like to know how many people, in The
Woo, voted for Obama/ Biden?

Why hasn't Bill Coleman been able to win an election? Is he the Jesse
Jackson of The Woo? I don't think so, but for a guy that's been
running more than Janet Jackson does through my dreams, he can't get in.

Time will only tell what will happen with Ms. Boone, because as folks
down south say........she'll need Jesus!