The
Baltimore Sun recently reported on the new budget approval for Baltimore City
Schools. With 1 billion dollars financed to the city over a six-year period,
many dilapidated buildings will either be updated or completely renovated,
while some underutilized buildings will be closed entirely. In the Sun article,
a local delegate stated, "This investment in the schools in Baltimore
City… will pay a huge dividend in the future, not just to the citizens of
Baltimore but to the entire state.”
Another sentiment was, "Fifty new or fully renovated schools will
keep people in the city, will help the schools support the teachers and the
children better.” My question is, will these new renovations help students
achieve?
While
updated or renovated buildings will not be the magic solution to closing the
achievement gap, I do believe modern facilities will allow students and
teachers alike the opportunities to increase student achievement. First,
outdated gyms, computer labs, and science labs are three of the most important
facilities within a school community. With technology and testing advancing at
such high levels, functioning computer and science labs would allow students the
chance to improve skill and knowledge of complex subjects. A modern gymnasium
could have the potential to inspire students to participate in extra curricular
activities as well as engage the whole community in sporting events, field
days, or special events like graduation. Updated and renovated buildings could
also increase student attendance and teacher retention. If the buildings are
clean, temperature controlled, safe, and provide support for teaching and
learning, everyone wins. It is not to say that a stacked building, with all the
latest amenities, will automatically assure teacher retention (new buildings
like Digital have not seen an increase in such) but if you enjoy the physical
building you work in, aren’t we more likely to stay? While a billion dollars
wont buy student achievement, I truly believe it is a right step into
increasing the will to work for student achievement in Baltimore City.
Find the
rest of the complete article here: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-schools-vote-20130329,0,5745422.story
2 comments:
I agree with your sentiments about the need for renovating Baltimore City Schools. I work in a building that was built during prohibition and seemingly hasn't been cared for much since then. During the winter the heat simply did not work for a majority of the cold days and our students were required to wear hats, coats, and jackets during class. Some classrooms where as cold as 42 degrees (yes we used a thermometer).
So, while it seems like a good step to start looking at improving the facilities we work in, I do want to be cautious. In any big system there's a chance for mismanagement and this being Baltimore, I am concerned. I hope that all the funds got to renovations that help students, but in doing so I also have to hope that large portions of the money aren't squandered.
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