In class we discussed how the policy makers don't understand the lives of the people they are making policies for. I never thought about how the people in power cannot relate to people lower classes. It it unfair that the people in the lower classes are not getting the representation they deserve. I think a good idea would be to implement some sort of board in which members from different economic classes and locations discuss policies in order to have everyones opinion represented. I don't know if this would be put into action because I doubt that those in power would want to give it up. While searching around the New York City Department of Education website, I found a lot of interesting information. Fair Student Funding was initiated in spring 2007 to ensure more equality within the schools. I am interested to see what changes, if any, this policy brings about. The website also gives information on Mayor Bloomberg and Schools Chancellor Klein program Children First which is designed to fundamentally transform the school system.
We also discussed the issue of standardized testing. These tests are so important and can determine so much. Tests like the SAT can determine whether or not someone will be accepted into a certain college. So much importance is placed on one test. Factors such as nerves, poor test taking skills, or even poor conditions of the testing location can affect a grade. Because of this I think it is unfair to put so much importance on one test. Another complaint about the SAT that I have heard is that white middle class men make up the test. In my opinion that makes the test bias. Children in urban areas often learn different materials. It relates back to how policy makers don't understand the people who the policies are for. This makes me realize how unfair our system really is. It is sad to say, but I feel that it will stay this way for a while. We all want to do something to change it, but what, and how? Is it possible to drastically change our system in order to make it more equal and efficient?
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I feel that a change must be done to ensure quality. The question is like you stated, how do we do that? I do not think that a person who knows nothing about the conditions of schools should be the one to make the policies. I like the idea of a board of individuals like teachers from different schools to help contribute to the policies being made. Even the SAT should be modified so that all students are capable of having an equal chance to answer the questions. If you are in a school that is not on the same reading and math level of another school, then you will not have the tools to answer the questions. The SAT should be reviewed by teachers from different kinds of schools. They should represent low income as well as wealthier schools. They should determine if their students are equipped to do well on the exam. It is not fair if there are students that want to do well on the exam and want to get into college but can not because they were never taught the necessary skills that the College Board believes they should have been taught.
I agree, the policy makers have no clue what the lives of those they make policies for are like. I can not see some of these rich white men living for a month or so in the slums of New York City or even the poorer areas of Albany or Syracuse let alone those who make the federal policy.
You can make a change by becoming a policy-maker or by keeping abreast of the information out there concerning education and politics. Be an informed voter
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