They just don't get it...

   Never has it been more apparent to me as to the mess we are in, than to listen to the conversation surrounding the movie "Waiting for Superman."  I have not seen the movie yet, but have heard numerous broadcasts interviews, etc. and am aware of the premise of the film. Now, I tend to be quite liberal politically, but even I can see that we are like ostriches with our heads in the sand if we are unable to recognize many of the underlying truths of this movie. 
    Listening in on a conversation today of teachers (many who I respect as very smart people) and hearing the blind disregard they give to the idea that our urban students are not being served appropriately and fairly is shocking to me.  Blame is everywhere, except where it truly lies - in a society that continuously disregards the suffering of our students who are immersed in poverty and discrimination.  How can we as educators, lay the entire blame for poor schools and academic failures at the door of only the students themselves and their families?  Not until we recognize that we need to change our thinking of "how we do education" will we improve the system.  Certainly, charter schools and destroying public education as we know it is not the answer, nor is it realistic.  But, we must recognize the problems for what they are - that our society is continuing to support a system that rewards the rich and privileged, but ignores those in need. 
     One of the first steps in my opinion, is getting rid of protections for teachers who are not teaching for the right reasons (which the union protects voraciously) and allow our urban schools to attract teachers who want to be there, but at the same time will be paid competitively.  This would, hopefully, encourage more minority teachers into teaching and bring some of our best experienced teachers where they are needed the most.  Just putting the teachers in place is not enough, however.   We must support using specific methodology that will inspire and engage our students and create safe places for them to gain meaningful academic opportunities.
The status quo is unacceptable.  Defending is it inexcusable - let's change the conversation to one that supports what is best for our students, not just our teachers.