Recently, we had the opportunity to view the film, "Waiting for Superman." (We thank CinemaSalem for bringing this compelling documentary to Salem and would urge people to see it in order to participate in the conversation about public schools and academic achievement.)
The movie cites some stunning statistics on academic achievement in the U.S. and presents a historical perspective that reveals strengths, as well as challenges, in the evolution of American education.
In contrast to the failing urban schools featured in the film, the Salem public schools have a history of supporting innovative educational practices. By establishing a "controlled" choice program, partnering with Salem State University in designing a "Break the Mold" school, becoming a member of the Coalition of Essential Schools, embracing green technologies, and, most recently, pursuing a Horace Mann charter school, the district has demonstrated a commitment to testing new ideas in the pursuit of educational excellence. In each case, the community benefits from the lessons learned.
However, we still lag behind many others in the state for MCAS achievement. Twenty-five percent of our students do not graduate.
High percentages of English language learners, students on special education plans, and transient families whose children move in and out of the public school system, contribute to these numbers. (Data consistently show that students who remain in Salem schools from kindergarten through the 12th grade achieve at higher levels.)
According to Boston.com, Salem's municipal spending on education is 7.9 percent lower than the statewide average. We are fortunate to have in Salem an active organization aimed at supporting teachers who inspire students to achieve.
We have no desire to speak to what the movie says or does not say about teachers, the role of charter schools, or academic success in other countries, as we believe the issues to be complex and specific to the local environment. However, the local environment is where we want to focus some attention.
The community in and around local schools is directly affected by the success of those schools. Home values go up, local economies thrive and the number of students who leave will decrease as school systems improve. As evidenced both through the film and more locally by the firm EdVestors in Boston, when private funds are directed specifically to drive academic achievement in urban districts, measurable improvement is achieved.
Teachers want meaningful evaluation as well as data to monitor student achievement. The Salem Education Foundation wants to help them find what works best for our demographic of learners and then to support those efforts.
The National Education Association recently celebrated American Education Week. Its theme — "Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility" — is a call for this country to provide students with quality public schools so they can grow, prosper, and achieve in the 21st century.
We believe Salem has a unique set of factors which, when fully engaged, can positively influence our schools. The mix of local businesses, large corporations, National Park Service sites, a world-class museum, a university, and first-class medical complex, as well as its status as regional hub, could make all the difference in how we educate our youth.
We hope you will join us in our efforts in any way you can. Volunteer in a classroom, lend expertise through in-service training, mentor a student in your workplace, contribute financially to our broad efforts at educational achievement or, more specifically, to our dedicated grants program — the ways to contribute are endless. We look forward to your participation and support.
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Sarah Morrill is president of the Salem Education Foundation. Alexa Ogno is a member of its grants committee.
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