How Are the Children?

As education reformers, activists, change agents, (whatever you want to call us), we spend copious amounts of time discussing topics such as urban ed, schooling, curriculum, facilities, etc.  The debates are endless:  neighborhood schools or school choice? Six through eight or K-8? Common core. Uncommon schools. The list goes on. Amidst all of the questions that surround education in Baltimore city, I have only one: what about the children? 

I liken the current debates occurring in Baltimore City to those that take place between a married couple tunneling through the recesses of divorce. Each person is lobbying for what they want, with the children somewhere in the back of their minds; yet the concerns of those children not really determining the outcome of the settlement.  I imagine that the children are somewhere screaming “listen to me”!

How are we doing, Baltimore?  In the midst of our various discussions and decisions, are we listening to our children?  Are we exploring their concerns and considering their needs as we make choices that will ultimately affect their futures?

The Masai people of Kenya are considered to be a tribe of fearless, intelligent warriors who have conquered many a foe.  Yet in their fighting and fearlessness, they humble themselves enough to pass along this greeting: “Kasserian Inegra”, which translates, “how are the children?”

It is with this that I challenge you, fearless warriors, to pause, step back, and take time to consider: how are the children?