Emma's Blog

“In summary, improving urban education is both more important now than in the past and more difficult.  It is more important because the economic consequences of leaving school without strong skills are greater than in the past.  The work is more difficult because urban schools lack the human resources provided by middle-class students and their parents, and because they must compete for teaching and leadership talent to a much greater extent than they did in the past.” -Murnane, pg. 277

Throughout the semester’s study of urban issues, I have become increasingly aware of the importance of quality education in urban environments.  This passage from the Education chapter written by Richard Murnane seems to sum up the two-pronged problem succinctly.  First, the consequences of dropping out of school are much higher than in the past.  Second, teachers will often choose safer or more suburban environments to teach in, especially if they are more talented and can choose where they are employed.

The export of blue collar jobs and the resulting joblessness of many poor families mounts pressure for high school students to get their diploma.  In past years, factories, mills and plants were viable options for those without degrees or diplomas.  For instance: my grandfather enlisted in the military right from high school, and when he returned, worked at the steel mill until retirement.  He supported five kids and my grandmother, who never worked a day in her life.   Today, even a high school graduate may have trouble finding work, and the unemployment rate of dropouts spikes tremendously.

Teachers talented enough to make a difference may be less likely to choose such a “project” for a career.  My husband attended Ridgeway High School.  He remembers that his freshmen year, many of the teachers at his school were excellent.  By the time he was taking upper-level classes, most of those great teachers had left due to poor leadership and other frustrations.  Conversely, my sister-in-law attended Harding Academy and was recently hired there to teach second grade.  Many of the teachers that taught her are now her peers.  I do see some incentives working among my peer group, such as Teach for America, or loan forgiveness programs for teachers in Title I schools.