This morning I spent some time reading Charlotte’s Web with a couple really great third graders at Cityview School in North Minneapolis. As I was leaving, Ms. W, the kids’ teacher (and a new friend of mine) told me that Cityview is being turned upside down because of low test scores. Everyone’s job is at risk – even Ms. W’s – despite the fact that she is one of the most amazing teachers I know in one of the most challenging classrooms I’ve ever seen. (I wish you could see her in action.)
I’m sorry but I just have to say…
I don’t want to over-generalize, but from what I’ve witnessed, it’s a miracle that some of the kids in this overlooked, under-served, highly stressed neighborhood even make it through the door in the morning. It doesn’t seem to me that meeting state test scores is at the top of their most urgent needs, and it’s certainly not the best indicator of their progress. Actually, the low scores might be a clue that these kids could really use a little extra support and something consistent in their lives. Anything! Why are we taking away the people who are caring for them?
I drove home frustrated, again, about how unfair life is. Longing for answers to (more) unanswerable questions. Then I pulled up to my house and saw this:
So now I’ve got another unanswerable question.
Who decided it was a good use of time, money and intelligent people to install a permanent (grammatically incorrect) sign every three or four houses on our little street, reminding the handful of us who live here to move our cars when it snows? Which we already know.
And it’s April.
I admit, I’m edgy these days, but this one makes my brain hurt.
by julie rybarczyk
