Re: high school redistricting
Posted by:
VoiceOfReason
()
Date: December 30, 2007 01:15AM
Re: high school redistricting
Posted by: quantum (IP Logged)
Date: December 28, 2007 08:19AM
Voice of Reason - you make a number of excellent points, among them that no one should have a hard and fast reliance interest in any one school in Fairfax County given that it is a large government entity and their is an assumption of risk assumed when one purchases a home here that school boundaries may be changed. But there a few assumptions implicit in your note that are worth of challenge:
1. First, the race point. Aside from the obvious silly posts, it is difficult to ascribe racism to anyone because unfortunately both the achievement AND behavioral gaps correlate significantly to race. This is not to say that there are not itinerant exceptions - there are - but it is not a happy picture and people fearful of the negative externalities associated with such achievement and behavioral gaps are to a large extent rational and thus racism cannot be automatically imputed to those that merely want to discuss a very difficult issue.
2. Second, it is not race per se, either (notwithstanding the above, inasmuch as all right thinking people should treat people as individuals). What is really objectionable is an entitlement culture that infects some, but clearly not all of course, of the groups that give rise to concern. Bluntly put, there are a number of young people in homes in which parents don't parent well (at least not by the dominant Fairfax standard), and make and have made a number of choices that are deleterious (crime, out of wedlock births, etc.) and have numerous impacts on a community, including the schools. It is with those that adopt a culture of poverty, as opposed to those that merely happen to be poor, that right thinking people are concerned about. This is a significant distinction.
3. While college is a laudable goal for many, too many are opting for college (and particularly schools of lesser caliber when the studies are not rigorous), where the focus instead should be on achieving a high level of basic computational and reading skill and developing a trade or job skill. There are recent studies that reflect that those that join the military are better off economically and otherwise than those that struggle through lesser caliber schools merely in the pursuit of a credential (and I don't necessarily think military service is all that great, by the way, but the point is that practical skills are in many cases important). This statement, of course, appears a little strange to those posting on this board, but those on this board by and large have an IQ and level of education at least two standard deviations above the mean in the US and will be speaking from a far different aspirational context than most.
4. As I have said before, there is a backdrop of frustration at the political leanings and policies of those in charge. Reston and South Lakes High School are progressives dreams, with every benefit to those less fortunate available (it is the closest to Sweden in America), yet this socialist utopia has overseen, or some might assert has caused, a decline for over 15 years at its high school. Ironically, one of the common assertions made as to the school's recent improvement is its renewed focus on discipline, structure and accountability - a conservative ideal that will likely take a while to bear fruit - but many are frustrated at being asked to, in a sense, bail out yet another failed progressive program (and, yes, this is harsh, but so much of our social spending has inculcated entitlements, habits and reliance that not only has been a waste, they have generated tremendous negative returns on the investment made). People who make this point (and it is a contentious one because the social investments have been made with good intent and in some cases the programs have worked) are not evil or racist - they are merely making a point on a difficult and challenging issue. And their skepticism is warranted given the track record.
To point 1!!! As I said, I did not read all posts in the thread. There are posts I read in the first several pages by individuals still posting. I have also had the unpleasant experience of overhearing conversations at functions where my children participate. Most of which I found ignorant in nature. It was said that one family they knew moved back to their county to build an addition atop their parants' household....this is grandparents, parents and grandchildren living in the same household; not multiple-families with children living in the same household. The other ignorant attitude was a single mom living in a 2 bedroom situation with multiple children in the household. Yes, some areas have both...but to negate these children is stupid at best. What is wrong with children who have their grandparents involved in their lives? And who is to say that a single mom is not the mother of the next President? The langauge and money barrier only idicates that these parents work harder for their children.
To Point #2!!! Every child is a student of Fairfax County. No matter how they happen to be here...they are. Born out of wedlock, or born with an affliction that does not allow them to be at the top of their class...does not mean they are less worthy. Maybe their parents have not made the best choices, but they are still in Fairfax county; and deserve every opportunity...that is not a feat to be left unsaid. Maybe their parents aren't involved as some, but they still have their kids enrolled in school, and they are the ones the least eligible to fight.
Point #3!! My undergrad degreee is not from an Ivy League college...ha my masters degree is not from the best college in the state. Yet, I still live and thrive in Fairfax County. This is your weakest argument, as I see it. Frankly, all these parents that have purchased houses in Fairfax County, have not been educated in such stellar districts. Some probably have...no argument here...but my degrees still stand when applying for jobs.
Point 4!!! I have no problem with my children attending South Lakes. I am an educated person with an advanced degree. I have my preferences as to whom they would attend with, but that is based on the people they already know...not that I feel one neighborhood is better than the other.
For the record I like option 5. Change is inevitable. I have lived here for almost 17 years. And, btw, I responded to this post, as it was the most well informed post.
Thank you, Quantum