Quick Thoughts on Education

I'm not an expert on education, but I do have three kids in public schools. Personally, I think the Governor is right to focus on education in the upcoming legislative session.  We here at Middlesex United Way absolutely support his emphasis on early learning. This fits right into our goal to increase children's readiness to learn by school entry.  We continue to work with and fund school readiness councils in all 15 Middlesex County towns.   

I attended the monthly Middlesex Coalition for Children's meeting this morning featuring Senator Andrea Stillman who chairs the Senate Education Committee.  We were discussing the need for and success of the wrap around services provided in the schools, particularly related to mental health counseling and free and reduced meals.  I know these are needed and important. But I sometimes wonder what happened to our society that parents, neighbors and the community at large don't take a more active role in raising our kids as I believe used to happen?  Schools are a phenomenal resource in  many communities.  However, should they be expected to solve societal ills that often make it difficult for kids to succeed? 

Connecticut has the worst achievement gap in the country and something has to be done about it.  What if we were able to simply focus on academics and learning in our schools and not burden them with helping our kids navigate all the other aspects of their sometimes complicated and difficult lives?  Wouldn't that make more sense?  That would require us as parents, neighbors and other caring adults to step up and make sure kids are cared for.  Maybe I'm just being naive.  I'd love to hear your feedback.