The NYC public schools were once the best in the nation. Its teachers were selected and screened carefully, through testing and personal interviews. Their students, many first generation whose families spoke their native tongues at home, excelled and achieved greatness in all fields. But what happened to this jewel? A recent report indicated that more than 140 NYC elementary and middle schools had at least one grade where more than 90% of kids failed their state exams. 23 schools had at least one entire class where not a single student passed a math or English proficiency test given annually to kids in grades 3 to 8. The system is shot, kaput, basically criminal!
Under democracy, where there’s a need to fill a void, someone comes along with a solution. So, some years ago, along came the Charter Schools to offer an option, a choice for parents who were concerned their kids were merely wasting their time and ruining their futures sitting in public schools. Charter schools ARE tuition free public schools, accepting all students who apply, on a first-come, first served basis and once capacity is filled, a waiting list is set up. And they work! Facts: 63 % of the NYC charter students in grades 3-8 passed the state math exam this year. The public schools’ average was 43%. 57% of charter kids were proficient in English, as opposed to 47% in public schools. Throw in the fact that it costs NYC about $29,000 yearly per student for a faux education. So, who’s the big winner?
Charters. They are funded by the city at far less than regular schools. The big PLUS is they are not controlled by the Board of Education and their teachers are not…..are not unionized. And that, dear friends has infuriated the United Federation of Teachers to take up arms against the Charter School movement and with its collective political clout, attempt to drown it. Our public school teachers are spoiled. Once they have served, as 99% of them do, the 3 year probation period, they’re in the system for life. There is no bonus for exceptional performance.
No competition to urge success. Promotion is largely based on sex and ethnicity rather than first rate performance in the classroom. But to their credit, NYC teachers have to put up with out of control students for whom the daily grind of going to school is not their first concern. Neither is it on the part of their parents who hand their kids off to the system and leave it at that. However, the parents of charter, private and yeshiva students opt to select the schools based on reputation and performance. They use their option of choice. Private schools in the metro area cost about $40,000 per and yeshivas charge a sliding scale. They are another alternative selection to the failing city school system for which there is no ray of light at the end of the tunnel. Why is this?
The United Federation of Teachers (UFT), who basically staff and run the system, is heavily political. 96% of its political donations are to the Democrats who, in return, bow to the wishes of the union. Higher salaries, super pensions and benefits are the first demands of the teachers. We support the idea of competition among all schools. Success in the classrooms should be rewarded. Failure should result in teacher discharge or replacement. Charters, private and yeshiva schools are there for parents to choose from as opposed to the crumbling public schools in their neighborhoods. If the choice is there, take it for the benefit of your children.