Central Falls, Rhode Island Reaches Agreement to Keep Fired Teachers

The Central Falls School District in Rhode Island made headlines in February when its school board voted to fire 93 teachers and administrators at the high school due to low student achievement. The population at Central Falls is composed of students from a high-poverty area where many students speak English as a second language. At the last graduation the school only handed out diplomas to 48% of the seniors.

The decision caused controversy because it seemed to place blame on one source only: the teachers and school personnel. Even President Obama seemed to be missing the big picture when he supported the school board's decision, saying, "Our kids get only one chance at an education and we need to get it right." Since then, mediation between the school board and the union has been ongoing. On Sunday, May 16 the union reported that a tentative deal had been worked out. The terms of the agreement call for increased tutoring after school, longer school days, and professional development aimed at certain personnel.

While the statistics at the Central Falls high school were dismal, many feel that the school board was too quick to point the finger at the teachers. I work at a high school where before and after school tutoring is offered, and transportation is provided for after-school sessions (all free of charge). There are well over 1,300 students in the school but nowhere near that many are staying for tutoring. Granted, not everyone needs remediation, but there are many who do. Despite calling parents to make them aware of the tutoring program (which is also advertised in the student handbook and other areas), a good number of students don't take advantage of the program. So whose fault is it when students fail SOL tests and drop out? Do we blame the teachers, many of whom work longer than their contracted hours to tutor who are already facing a number of obstacles in the classroom? There probably are "bad teachers" who just work to get a paycheck and don't put forth much effort, but that's a small minority. What about the parents? Can some of them be fired for not rearing their children with a basic sense of respect, discipline, and work ethic or for being apathetic about their child's education? Can we fire those students who come to school, always without homework or materials, and who spend the class period disrupting class, being disrespectful, texting, or sleeping? Failing schools need help, but it's going to have to be a community effort where parents, teachers, and maybe even outside agencies work together.
Source:
CNN.com