Why Our Schools Fail: The Uncomfortable Truth We Must Address Now!

Secret ??I have been using “i.e.,” and “e.g.,” all wrong ??

In the heart of Chicago, a city renowned for its vibrant culture and indomitable spirit, an urgent educational crisis casts a shadow over its future. As of 2023, the stark reality that about three-quarters of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students cannot read at grade level, coupled with nearly 83% not meeting proficiency in math, signals a clarion call for transformative action. The echoes of the pandemic still resonate, leaving students in Chicago and across Illinois grappling with setbacks more severe than before this global upheaval.

The Heart of the Matter

The dedication and resilience of Head Start teachers, 70% of whom hold bachelor’s degrees and earn an average annual salary of $39,000, starkly contrasts with their daunting challenges. Despite President Joe Biden's intentions to increase their pay, the absence of a concrete plan from Congress (holding our children hostage) to expand the Head Start budget underscores a critical disconnect. With one in five Head Start teachers leaving their positions in 2022 for better-paying opportunities, staffing shortages threaten our community's very fabric of early childhood education.

A Call to Action

This moment in history demands more than temporary fixes; it calls for a bold reimagining of how we support and value education. Raising teacher pay without additional incentives and technology resources presents a paradox, potentially reducing the number of children Head Start programs serve. However, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) suggests directing more federal funds towards early learning and enabling Head Start to hire community college students studying child development, which could pave a path forward.

"Igniting Change: Empowering Chicago's Youth with Education Reform, Technology, and Enhanced Teacher Support"

Our approach must be multifaceted. We must recognize that if our children cannot master reading, writing, and mathematical reasoning, we risk facing a #LostGeneration due to artificial intelligence coupled with large language models.?

It is imperative to:

1. Teach using Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models, NOT ban them (this gives children a "head start," pun intended).
2. Advocate for rigorous evaluations of school choice programs, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of our students.
3. Reconsider Illinois' stance on private education support, aligning with the growing national trend towards expanding private schooling opportunities.
4. Champion educators and robust programs who advocate for our children, particularly those in early childhood education, by aligning their compensation with outcomes due to their invaluable role in shaping our youngest citizens' future.

The journey toward educational reform in our nation is fraught with challenges, yet it is within our collective power to enact meaningful change. By fostering a dialogue coupled with ACTION that prioritizes the well-being and development of our students, we will ignite a movement that transcends mere academic achievement. Together, we can create an alternative educational system that truly reflects the aspirations of our community and serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity for every child.

What happened to "No Child Left Behind (NCLB)"?

STAY CURIOUS;

Michael T. Thomas?