Last week I wrote a spirited response to a New York Times article in which I enumerated the political behaviors and ill-conceived choices that undermine the efficacy of public education. It's easy to snipe from the fence line, to cast stones in anonymity. Noam Chomsky reminds us though that, "There are no magic answers, no miraculous methods to overcome the problems we face, just the familiar ones: honest search for understanding, education, organization, action ... and the kind of commitment that will persist despite the temptations of disillusionment, despite many failures and only limited successes, inspired by the hope of a brighter future". Simply put, either do something about it or be quiet. What great advice!
Over the last few years, a team of Baldwin educators has worked to affect change in our public educational system. With the support of MCS, Sodexo, and the Baldwin Board of Directors, this past summer we launched the “Instituto de Verano” (The Summer Institute). Our formula for change has two parts: professional development for teachers and instructional interventions for students. This summer we partnered with a number of public elementary schools within the area, and invited both teachers and students from these institutions to participate.
In the spring, our IB Coordinators met with elementary teachers at their home schools and asked them what they wanted in a professional development opportunity. In response to their answers, our team crafted a week-long workshop held on campus in June. Fifteen public school teachers attended. They spent the week developing strategies to improve their teaching and assessment practices, and building a professional network with their fellow workshop attendees. They designed an on-line forum for sharing classroom practices and strategies. At the end of the workshop, each teacher received a gift card used to purchase much needed classroom materials.
Thirty third-grade students participated in our program this year. Four Baldwin teachers instructed these students in mathematics, science, and English over five weeks in June and early July. These same students will return next summer as fourth graders, and in the subsequent summer as fifth graders, to continue their studies in these three key indicator subjects. During the regular school year, public school teacher attendees will act as liaisons between their schools, these students, and the students’ parents. Over the next two summers, we will add additional sections of students. Our goal is to serve ninety students per year: one section each of third, fourth, and fifth grade students. Our mission is to reduce dropout rates among area middle school students. Once we have worked out the kinks of our program, we intend to recruit our sister schools, so that we may have the broadest affect on this public concern.
We believe that education is the great equalizer, and the solution to many of the problems facing our beloved island home. We are hereby resolved to act, to work to make a difference, because all kids deserve a fighting chance. A BIG BALDWIN BULLS SHOUT OUT to Laura Maristany, Sarah Loinaz, Cristina Castillo, Nora Nido, Nina Romañach, Gail Riordan, Maite Goyco, and Sonia Caso!
See you around campus.