|
Students deserve expanded,
improved magnet schools
By INDYA KINCANNON
News Sentinel
December 17, 2006
In my mind, the purpose of magnet schools is to introduce specialization and choice into the public school system. Successful magnet schools attract people from across the community with strong academic programs and a diverse learning environment.
When I envision effective magnet schools, I see high expectations and high achievement for all students, regardless of race or socioeconomic status. I see truly exceptional learning opportunities, such as the rigorous International Baccalaureate program or a language immersion school starting in kindergarten, when the brain circuits for language acquisition are strongest.
I envision a performing arts magnet school where students audition to get in but where admission is based on talent and desire -- and church choir experience is just as valued as private violin lessons. I see magnet schools where vocational education is highly regarded and students can graduate with a professional certification in their chosen field.
I envision magnet schools located all over the county so students don't have overly burdensome commutes. I see schools where most, if not all, of the students are there by choice. I see an administration that supports its magnet schools with resources and commitment. I see magnet schools that are an integrated part of the school system, not just a way to meet federal desegregation mandates. I see parents more involved because they've chosen to be there. I see teachers lining up to teach in these schools.
Unfortunately, Knox County's magnet schools do not yet reflect this vision. Our magnet schools have many excellent, dedicated teachers and administrators, but they have not been given the tools or support to produce successful magnet schools.
There are incredible learning opportunities in our current magnet schools, but most people are not aware of them. Our daughter started kindergarten at our neighborhood magnet school this year. It's the only elementary school in the county with instrumental music and dance, as well as an accelerated learning pace. We've been very pleased, but there is the potential for so much more.
Knox County has succeeded in improving facilities and academic opportunities at the magnet schools, but they are not racially or economically integrated and do not draw a significant number of out-of-zone students. While the specialized curricula were unique back in 1993, they are no longer exceptional enough to overcome other obstacles, such as long commutes. Test scores at our magnet schools have improved recently, thanks in part to Project GRAD, but are still below state averages. Out-of-zone African-American students find it almost impossible to enroll in the magnet schools.
Is my vision realistic? Yes. I've recently visited school systems that have vibrant magnet schools. In both Chattanooga and Charlotte, N.C., magnet schools have improved academic achievement for students of all backgrounds, revitalized neighborhoods and provided academic programs that students find rigorous and relevant to their lives. Their schools are not perfect, but we can learn from their successes.
In Knox County and elsewhere, magnet schools were established as a desegregation tool. Schools that served predominantly African-American students had inferior facilities, second-hand furnishings, cast-off textbooks handed down from other schools and substandard academic opportunities. In the early 1990s, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People sued the Knox County Board of Education to remedy these gross inequities. One of the many remedies that grew out of the settlement was the introduction of magnet schools.
After lots of debate and many compromises, the school system opened three magnet elementary schools, one magnet middle school and one magnet high school. The programs were designed as schools within schools, so all students had access to the enriched academic opportunities, but some of the classes were set up to be racially integrated.
The University of Tennessee recently completed a formal evaluation of our magnet schools, which can be viewed online
here. They recommend developing a three- to five-year master plan for improving and expanding our magnet schools, while simultaneously making every effort to support students currently enrolled at magnet schools.
We got off to a good start in 1993. Initial interest in the magnet schools was strong. I feel confident after talking with Sam Anderson and other stakeholders that we can expand and improve our magnet schools for the benefit of all Knox County students. Our children deserve a world-class education. Our community and economy depend on it. Let's get started!
|
Volunteer