Fair and Equitable Schools

Why is it that students in Hamilton County are not given a fair and equitable education? 

Fairness and equity are both absolutely necessary if we are going to truly see positive growth and sustained changes within our community. As a parent, there are schools within Hamilton County that I would not find desirable for my children to attend. As an educator, I can make a positive impact in so many ways. I can do my part in my own school building, but there is more. I can also reach out to other educators across the county and connect with them. When educators connect and share information, the quality of their teaching improves. Students are more successful as a result of such collaborations. Why isn't this happening more? I have asked similar questions of HCDE staff members in the past. One response that I received was quite defensive. It came from a person who could positively change the landscape of Hamilton County Schools. This individual continued chiding me by encouraging me to "take care of my school." Really? In essence, I was told to mind my business.                        

I can't do that! I can't be silent about the issues and simply "mind my own business." 

As I send my own children off to decent schools,  I can't help but think of the students who are facing different circumstances at other schools within the same county.

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Off to school we go!

Normal Park Museum Magnet Upper School

 These "circumstances" might include but are not limited to the following:

* Discipline issues that prevent students from learning
* Dilapidated, lifeless, prison-like school buildings
* Large class sizes that make managing the classroom difficult
* Apathetic faculty, staff members or students who create negative school climates
* Poorly planned lessons that are not aligned to state standards or according to Best Practices
* Ineffective administrators who do not focus on the following goals:

• Building and sustaining a school vision
• Sharing leadership
• Leading a learning community
• Using data to make instructional decisions
• Monitoring curriculum and instruction(Instructional Leadership)

What can be done to address the above issues or concerns? Well, a lot is already being done.

Hamilton County Department of Education Community Partners

Hamilton County Department of Education Corporate Partners

Public Education Foundation of Chattanooga

Shift Chattanooga

What else can be done? What part can YOU play? What part can I play? How can you get involved and encourage others to get involved? What resources have been overlooked? There  are so many questions being asked and answered. This is an exciting time to be involved in public education in Hamilton County!

 Below are links to local success stories. Find out how communities can come together to transform schools into beautiful places for students to learn and grow.

Normal Park Museum Magnet School

Red Bank High School

Wetland Pond Created At Calvin Donaldson Environmental Science Academy
All for now...