Education
Perspectives on Parenting©
by Nancy Lambert Davenport
Nancy Davenport's Column:
For Richardson News 04-23-00
Copyright Nancy Lambert Davenport 2000
"Heritage Academy debate offers lessons"
Monday night I attended a "town hall" meeting. The subject was the much maligned (at least in our neighborhood) Heritage Academy, a charter high school where many at-risk kids are taking one last shot at getting an education.
It is definitely a subject that has the attention of our community. Around 500 people attended the gathering which included many students from the charter high school, a few parents of the students, a couple of teachers, and hundreds of area residents.
The meeting started with Alan Walne, our Dallas City Council representative, giving brief opening remarks. He pointed out various concerns that residents have with the location of the school. He stated that he has no problem with the concept of the charter schools but does with the location of this particular one.
Other elected and appointed city and state representatives gave explanations of their positions or their concerns about the school. In addition Jim Thompson, a representative of the Texas Education Agency, informed the group that TEA has assigned him to monitor the Heritage School Board's use of state funds. We learned that the state has released charter schools from many of the usual expectations of other public schools in exchange for increased student performance. It is free for the student as is any public school. Funding for the student follows the student to the charter school. Although teaching methods at charter schools may not be standard, the students still have to pass the same standardized tests as any other high school student to graduate.
After Thompson's presentation, Alan Walne opened the floor for questions. As various people came forward and said their say, I thought Mr. Walne showed remarkable restraint. Although many people had legitimate concerns and constructive questions, some from both sides were an embarrassment using foul language and personal attacks. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, the residents rather than the kids were the purveyors of inappropriate words.
It will be interesting to see how this all sorts out. If what the neighbors say is true, -- that there are shootings, fights, noise, vandalism, and trespassing on private property, -- then it is certainly appropriate for the school to move to another location. If what some researchers say is true -that there is clearly a mishandling of funds by the Heritage School Board - then someone ought to go to jail. If what the students, faculty, and parents of the charter school say is true - that education is happening there -- then our neighborhood contains a viable opportunity for kids (even if some have creative hair color and piercings in places that make me twinge to look at them) to have a second chance at an education and get on with their lives.
I do want the kids who desire an education to win somehow whether the school stays where it is, closes, or moves to a better location. As I watched the goings-on the other night, I realized the students have already won a little. They received as part of their education, at the very least, a great civics lesson.
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Nancy Lambert Davenport
EMAIL: nancdave@swbell.net
URL: http://www.nancyldavenport.com