Monday Matters #18

Link: http://dianeravitch.net/2014/01/07/is-san-diego-the-best-urban-district-in-the-nation/

This article Diane Ravitch wrote is her explaining why she thinks San Diego has the best urban district in the nation when it comes to education and community. The teachers and administrators are all working towards a common goal, to improve the future generations. She says her opinion is not based on test scores, even though they are improving, but on the climate of teaching they have. Back in the 1990's, San Diego had its problems in the educational department, but now things are changing. The previous superintendent, Mr. Kowba, had a different idea of improvement. He valued teamwork and community to help the teachers and the union come together. Test scores went up, with the new spirit of teamwork between students, teachers, parents, and the local community. The board voted for a new superintendent once Kowba retired, and Cindy Marten has filled in his spot perfectly. She inspires and also values community involvement. Yet, a newspaper still seems to believe that the San Diego urban district is failing, saying they should bring back older superintendents, especially the one now in Houston, Texas. Ravitch counters with her logos by showing that Houston has a higher drop out rate and lower test scores. She finishes by saying that San Diego has the perfect line up. It has a great intelligent superintendent that gets the community involved. The cohesion of the parents, students, union, and the board is also impressive. And they all have one goal in common, to improve the education for every child. It is all about the children.