Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter

CAT Tracks for December 14, 2005 CSD #1 ON OPRAH?

So many stories...so little time!

An e-mail from the folks at IL Loop...

Oprah Winfrey is planning at least two shows on the problems of public schools, and is looking for people who have stories to tell.

Already, the groups that want higher taxes but no other reform are vigorously spreading the word about these programs, and you can bet they'll work to emphasize the "we need more money" side of the equation.

So, if you have a story about whole language reading instruction, or loony math homework, or bizarre time-wasting projects (bring some of them to the studio!), dumbed-down social studies, and rainforest science, consider telling YOUR story as well! As you probably know, Oprah tapes her show right downtown for national airing, so it's quite an opportunity to make a difference.

Below are the descriptions of the proposed programs, taken directly from Oprah's website.

-- Kevin

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Grade your school. Is it first-rate or failing?

More at this address:
https://www.oprah.com/plugger/templates/BeOnTheShow.jhtml?action=respond&plugId=195600003

Do you teach in a public school that isn't making the grade? Or is your school beating the odds? Tell us what's working and what's not. Is your school overcrowded, under-funded or falling apart? Has your school been declared "failing" because of low test scores or high dropout rates? Do you have students in your classroom who are reading far below grade level? Are you seeing more and more students who can't pass the exit exam required to graduate? How do you think these problems can be fixed? We also want to hear from teachers about public schools that have found a way to turn around test scores and keep students from dropping out. Why do you think your school is beating the odds? What lessons can be learned from your experiences? Why do you think so many public schools are struggling when yours is not? We want to hear from you, but please email us only if you are willing to tell your story on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Are you unhappy with your child's public school?

More at this address:
https://www.oprah.com/plugger/templates/BeOnTheShow.jhtml?action=respond&plugId=195600005

Does your child attend a public school that is over-crowded, under-funded or falling apart? Has the school been declared a "failing" school because of low test scores or high drop-out rates? If so, have you tried to transfer your child to a different school? What options have you been offered? Have you and other parents tried to "fix" the problems at school? Do you believe your child is going to have problems getting into college because of the education he/she received in a public school? We hope to hear from you, but please email us only if you are interested in discussing your frustrations on The Oprah Winfrey Show.