JON GLOVER
Contributing Columnist
What will it take?
A half-billion dollar business, failing! Why?
For how many decades have boys and girls here in Caddo Parish not been met with fair, equal and little to no opportunity to obtain a high-quality education? How many?
Now, many would point the finger at parents, for it is a given, children’s first lessons are taught in the home, but what about the classroom? What lessons are lacking in the classroom that precipitates continued academic disadvantages for masses of boys and girls?
With an operating budget of over $500 billion serving more than 37,000 boys and girls, with more than half not achieving academic success, what can be done?
What is lacking in the academic programs for many Caddo students?
Is COVID the new scapegoat? Yes, COVID is the new scapegoat.
COVID, like the Wizard of Oz, unveiled what many an administrator within the Caddo Parish Public School system knew; because of inequities of resources, many boys and girls, after decades, still remain academically disadvantaged.
If neither No Child Left Behind (NCLB) nor Every Student Succeed Act (ESSA) meets its purpose of equity of resources, what now?
The stated purpose of No Child Left Behind was “to close student achievement gaps by providing all children with a fair, equal and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education.” This program did not live up to its objective. Then along came the Every Student Succeed Act with objective “to make sure public schools provide a quality education for all kids.” Still, the students are falling behind.
Like the Wizard, the CPSB administration, holds the key to getting a quality education for every boy and girl, providing academic success for all students. If the “Wizard” -- the administration -- withholds essential resources – funding -- which equates to further disadvantaging, what now?
Again, with over a half-billion dollar annual operating budget, is the Caddo Parish School Board providing the resources needed for true improvement, or is the gap of inequities of resources continuing again this school year? Sad to think of the future for some of our students.
Parents, guardians, taxpayers, shareholders, we hold the key. We have the power to ensure that all boys and girls have the equity of resources. The key is our vote. Let your voice be heard; vote for those who are indeed about change. The time is now!