GothamSchools — daily independent reporting on NYC public schools

What a beautiful reading.

To commenter “ugh”: not only is your comment rude, but it shows lack of comprehension. Diane Ravitch said nothing about a “code of teachers.” She did bring up a code of ethics–a commitment to those things that constitute a good education. This is essential. If we want good schools, we must define what good education is and commit ourselves to it. Without that, we will fall prey to one misguided reform after another; slogans and flawed models will take the place of good ideas.

Alas, angry souls bereft of ideas or imagination must spout ad-hominem nonsense. It’s virtually an industry in these United States, with troglodytes ruling the airwaves, and real news increasingly a quaint memory.

It is wise to learn from Dr Ravitch’s great knowledge and ability to render that knowledge accessible to everyone. The New York City public school system is in dire need of reform, but not of another educational fad or panacea. Dr Ravitch is correct in placing emphasis on a more coherent, rich and educationally sound curriculum. What is also needed, more than everything else, is the admission that the system is largely dysfunctional, at least in terms of educating our most vulnerable children. If we continue to cover up our failures, we will continue to harm those children. We the adults – the DOE, its administrators, the teachers, parents — everyone — must first admit that there is a big problem before we can solve it. If we do not, we will continue to warehouse vast numbers of high school students who are completely unprepared for high school work, and who come to school to socialize with their friends but refuse to engage in the learning process. This is the shameful truth that we are hiding.

We need professional, reasoned debate, not recriminations and name-calling. For the sake of our children, we the adults must step up and take responsibility.