America's Public Schools
A Struggling American Institution
Part 1September 16, 1998

By. Antonio A. Brown

America is a nation that has distinguished itself from all other nations by attempting to build a country open to people of all religious, racial, ethnic, social and economic backgrounds. A nation where each individual is able to develop his or her dreams with the possibility of someday realizing those dreams through education, and hard work. There are four very important facts concerning the nation's democracy that must be preserved as they form the very cornerstones which enable our nation. The U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Public Schools, and informed educated citizens are the four cornerstones of our democracy. Together they guarantee individual liberty and freedom and justice while providing the basis for a cohesive national identity.

Public Schools systems throughout America are under attack. Many people believe that the Public Schools are failing to educate our children for the next century; and are incapable of meeting the needs of America's children. To all the people who believe this I can only say that you are so very wrong! Today attempts are being made to undermine public educational systems nationwide with voucher programs, charter schools and lotteries. The truth of the matter is that all these proposals require the siphoning of public funds from the public school systems in order to finance these initiatives. This will undoubtedly undermine the already fragile financial systems which sustain our public educational systems.

During the weekend of the September the 11th in Crystal City, Virginia many of the nation's top educators met for the purpose of discussion concerning public education. The event was hosted by the National Congress for Public Education. The conference was enlightening to say the least. The Close-Up Foundation filmed the first day events as part of a C-Span live debate on Public Education to discuss in open-forum the realities concerning public educational failures and successes. The results of the debates pointed out while some schools are having more difficulty than others, overall the public educational systems are providing most of our children with the education they will require as adults. Everyone in attendance agreed that the system still needs some improvement to better serve the parents of, and the students attending public educational institutions. It has been stated and over stated the failures of the public school system. So efforts were taken to review the data concerning public schools and student achievement. Many discrepancies were found. Research conducted by Berliner and Biddle reports in The Manufactured Crisis, that many school system failures are embedded in the problems of socio-economic inequities of our society. A Labor Department report on May 1, 1998, states a record 67% of young people who graduated from high school last spring attended college in the fall. It noted that a record 70.3% of female student graduates enrolled in college. Of the male graduates, 63.5% were enrolled in college, Oct 1997. Respective rates were 68% White, 66% Hispanic/Latino, 60% African American graduates enrolled in college. " The Sandia Report, " of 1990 commissioned by the Department of Energy reviewed the evidence contained in the " Nation at Risk Report " finding contradicting and erroneous claims made by the Bush Administration. The report was suppressed by Energy Secretary James Watts. The report stated that high school graduation rates were roughly 90% and that college graduation rates as a result were the highest in history. (1-4 Americans has a bachelors degree)

Are we merely rushing to judgment on the Public Educational Systems of America based on reports designed to disrupt our fragile democracy? I believe we are! The nation must be reminded of the importance of " public schools " and public schools must meet the needs of all its children, and their parents desire to be involved in their children's education. We must understand that as a nation their must be a common thread which bind together the many communities across her great expanse. Today there are those who seek to destroy the American Dream. They seek to place chains on liberty, freedom and justice for all people. As a people we are bound together by our common beliefs in our Constitution, The Declaration of Independence, and our Public Schools! If we were to allow the privatization of the educational systems can we be sure every child will receive equity in the education they receive? James Madison, " Father of the Constitution " and architect of the Bill of Rights, elegantly described the link between education of citizens and our system of government in an 1822 letter. " A Popular Government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy; perhaps both." Will the fundamental values of this society be maintained in any other system? I think not! The nation today is being torn apart by individuals who are attempting to segregate our society. The best hope for America in her attempts to live up to her mandates as a nation is dependent upon our ability to transform our communities into places which help families provide stability, and a safe, healthy developmental atmosphere. And each community must have a safe, viable, healthy public schools system.

Remember better than 90% of Americans are employed by small businesses, and the public schools of America have prepared them well. Many of their employees have had the benefit of a good public education as well. And they are provided with the understanding necessary to be better equipped in dealing with the many diverse peoples which make up the American experience. This is because our schools reflect that diversity and encourage interaction capable of building the bridges of understanding needed to bring about greater social change. As Americans opt to segregate themselves more racially, economically and religiously by building schools which cater to their particular interest; I ask! What will happen to America's identity?

I respectfully submit that everyone should contact their representatives and urge them to support " Public Schools, " over any efforts to privatize the system. Let them know that being divisive is not the answer to building a better nation. I challenge every one whether you are a parent or not to take an active roll in assisting public schools in becoming all that they can be. Finally, I charge the school system with becoming more parent friendly; and to ensure that the facilities and curriculum meet the academic, sociological, psychological and special needs of every child.

" Support Public Schools "

To read the second part of Mr. Brown's essay, click here.


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