Reply to Is “school quality” a code word for “student quality”?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I have taught at both title 1 schools and wealthy schools. Far and away the better instruction was at the title 1 schools. It was out of necessity—if teaching wasn’t good, those kids would literally climb out the window and leave, or go to the bathroom and get high, or punch their neighbor to entertain themselves, or start stabbing things with scissors out of boredom. We had to have engaging lessons every single day to keep kids in class.

At the rich school? Teachers were pulling the same worksheets they’d used since 1991 out of a file cabinet, even though they no longer matched standards. They taught things the way they always taught and kids either got it, or parents paid $$$ to tutors so they got it. Staff bragged about their 100% pass rate on state tests when they could have done absolutely nothing and those kids would have passed.

Don’t get me wrong, there were some good teachers at the rich school too, as well as kids getting high in the bathrooms. And the poor school had a few dud teachers and plenty of kids who truly wanted to learn and did all they could to take advantage of opportunities.

All schools I’ve taught at have been very diverse—the difference is $$$$.

I’m now at a middle of the road school and I think this is my happy medium. Kids know the value of education (they aren’t going to inherit millions and be independently wealthy), but also don’t have to worry about not having money for bills, so they can focus on grades instead of stress about being evicted.[/quote]

Agree with this. Teachers at Title 1 schools have to be really good at their jobs or they will wash out fast. If you aren't effective, it will be too demoralizing. Whereas teaching at a school with really well-resourced families allows for a much greater variety of teacher quality. There are gems, but the duds can skate by and people just kind of accept stuff like "oh the second grade cohort is pretty mediocre" or "oh, you got Ms. Dawson for 5th? bummer -- you'll need to supplement before MS math."

Also, at a title 1, if you are good at your job and get results, you will get some leeway in how you teach without having to deal with a ton of parent pushback. There's less parent involvement period, and those that are involved tend to be more respectful and appreciative for what teachers do. If you are good at your job, it will be noticed and you will get freedom to do it. Different story at a wealthy school. Parents are very involved but also often arrogant and don't really respect the work that teachers do. Sometimes teachers at these schools get kind of browbeaten and choose to just play it safe and not make waves. Parents will still complain ("Joey isn't being challenged enough" "Vivian is bored in class") but they complain no matter what, so why innovate or put your heart into it?[/quote]

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