My Trip Inside

Ok... As a graduate of a DCPS high school, as well as of The George Washington University, I have to say that the beginning of this article made me pause, but at least the end at least slightly touched on one of the main problems. I have heard so many times that DC's school system is amongst the worst in the country, and that cannot be denied. I went to a school right around the corner from Cardozo called Benjamin Banneker Senior High. It is one of the best schools in DC, and the mere fact that this school (and a few others) exist is proof that things can work. If students did not feel so disenfranchised; if students actually felt like someone EXPECTED them to do well (parents and teachers alike), maybe they would amount to something. Although I think that she is extreme, I am excited to see what Michelle Rhee does for DCPS. Extreme cases need extreme measures.

I would like to know what did you offer those students that you work with for that period of time that cause them to cooperate with you and want to learn. Something you said or did that cause them to remove their tough exterior. Moreover, why were they glad to see you come back? These are the questions that the teachers of Cardozo High should ask the author of this article. I know some of it is the students not wanting to learn and no discpline, but some of it on the teacher as well.

But why are they uneager to learn?Maybe we should make allowances for the fact that in today's society inertia is promoted.It's not that people have changed over the course of time,but how thhey grow up and the fact t5hat they have to face reality as sooner as possible.

I'm tired of listening and reading about failing public schools, why do we keep on denying the truth. I"ll tell you why because no one wants to be labled racists. You can have the best teachers but if the students aren't willing to learn and theirs no discipline what can you do. Our state legislatures have been wasting tax payers money for years with no progress because nobody wants to say what the real problem is "STUDENTS".