My Urban Studies class was recently given the assignment of coming up with solutions to several problems the New York City Public Schools system currently faces. Obviously, there is no huge vat of money lying around anywhere, so we also had to factor in how we planned to pay for it. I figured posting it might get me some additionally idea(r)s. So without further ado................................
Part Three: Lose of programs
Because the city at the moment has such a huge tax deficit from various things ( shoddy economy, a certain war, pipelines exploding, etc.) the city schools have had to cut back on many athletic, artistic, and performance programs. While these programs aren't technically essential to a child's education, there are certain things kids stand to gain from them. First, it gives them something to do after school, lessening the likelihood that these kids will join gangs or commit other illegal acts. Additionally, it allows them to find themselves and what they enjoy (just because you grow up in a bad neighborhood doesn't mean you aren't the next DaVinci, Picasso, Babe Ruth, or Antonio Banderas.)
We suggested that these programs be provided through a Cooperative action program with the NYC private schools. Students of the public schools will be allowed to participate in clubs, activities, teams, and productions that are already in place in religious based, charter, and privately funded schools across the boroughs. This not only gives them a program to join, but an exchange of culture with people they would not otherwise associate with.
What's in it for the private schools, though? For years private schools have been lobbying to get tax vouchers from the state of New York for the taxes they pay for schooling. The argument is that because these parents fund their children's educations separately, their taxes for public schools should not be the same as people who do use the education system. If these parents are allowed the tax vouchers (which would only be a portion of what they actually contribute to the school systems), they will be more likely to allow public school students to share their extra-curricular resources.
Just a thought
Stay tuned for Part Four: Violence in schools
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You might not want to post the other 2 right now. Since the titles are so long they're pushing other posts off the recent list rather quickly. It might work best to post the other two later today or even tomorrow. You don't have to heed the suggestion, but I thought I'd put it out there anyway.
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~Fallon~
“What is insanity, anyway? Is it when you scream and everyone else whispers, or is it when you fight for what's right, even when everyone else thinks your wrong?” Ethergoth
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