An Enlightening Evening

Tonight, I had the pleasure of attending the School District of Philadelphia's Strategy, Policy and Priorities meeting. The focus was on "Student Engagement" and students, teachers, and school district staff were all in attendance. During the meeting, students shared their opinions about what needs to be improved within their schools. Staff and students discussed different perspectives on education and gained a better understanding of each other. An open dialogue between staff and students is vital. For the the first time, in a very long time, students were able to discuss how their education is managed. Improving communication between decision makers and students is the first step to bettering the Philadelphia School District and America’s education system as a whole.

Tonight’s meeting was a truly enlightening experience. We discussed everything from how students can help reconstruct the district, how adults can improve student engagement within schools, and to how we can better communication between all parties. I left the meeting with a new sense of positivity and hope for our schools. As a member of the Student Advisory Board, I would love to see this new opportunity for communication to continue. I strongly encourage students and staff to attend the next meeting.

In Retrospect

As my interest in social issues develops, I am becoming more aware that my civil rights are being violated by an unequal opportunity to be educated. We live in a nation that is built on the idea that all women and men are created equal. The definition of equality is to be equal in status, rights, and opportunities. How can I say that I am equal if I am being denied educational opportunities because of the financial circumstances I was born into? You could argue that a child does not have to go to public school. However, in light of our nation’s economic standing, the majority of families in America do not have the money to send their children to private institutions, including my family. If we cannot provide children with equal educational opportunities, than those denied an adequate education are being set up to fail. Children attending underfunded public schools are being denied their constitutional right to a fair education and this is setting them back for the rest of their lives. It does not end when they graduate. Education is invaluable. Approximately 9 out of every 10 children in America attend public schools. Numerous public school districts -- some in America’s largest cities -- are being denied funding across the country. As a result, every child being “educated” in these districts is suffering and being held back because of circumstances that are out of their hands.The lack of public education funding in America will hurt the future of the nation.