Brian Cohen
  • Making the Grade Blog
  • About Me
  • Tutoring
  • Press
  • Resources to Share

One Letter Per Day: Relationships are Important

5/16/2012

1 Comment

 
To: School Reform Commission
440 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19130

May 16, 2012

Dear members of the School Reform Commission,

In the creation of the “achievement network” plan fostered by the Boston Consulting Group I wonder if they consulted any of the current School Advisory Councils for recommendations on if they wanted to be a part of one in the first place? Instead of asking questions of those who would be affected by these changes, they simply crafted a plan that would affect tens of thousands of students as well as their families across Philadelphia.

Additionally, I wonder if the organizations that lobby to take over these groups of schools are even wanted in those neighborhoods. As is evident from many protesting parents, students, and community members over the past few weeks people can be difficult to deal with if you impose things on them.

In recent discussions I have heard people talk about the possibility of the University of Pennsylvania being looked at as a potential organization that could lead this charge in West Philadelphia. But do those residents feel that is their best option? Do they have positive associations with the university’s history in the region? These are important questions to consider when forcing people to the table to talk.

Instead of creating a opportunity for animosity, I think it behooves us to allow for dialog and self-conducted needs assessments to be conducted. If people from these neighborhoods could identify a specific need and then approach one of these institutions for assistance without risk of losing control, perhaps the outcomes for students would improve anyway. With examples of negativity perceived in the past, I think that would be a valuable option.

If you can reach out to these institutions, we can forge relationships. Just give us time and help.

Thank you,
Brian Cohen
One Letter Per Day Campaign

1 Comment
Rich Migliore
5/16/2012 11:37:15 pm

What a great letter!

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Author

    I am a math teacher in the New York Department of Education. I infuse technology and real-world problems into my curriculum in order to prepare my students for the future. I would love for people across the country to recognize we teachers can't do it alone. If you don't believe me, come visit my classroom!

    Picture

    Contact Me

    Picture

    Email Updates

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner

    Archives

    March 2022
    September 2021
    August 2021
    September 2020
    August 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    August 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    September 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.