[GeezUS]

The Lancaster public school system rocks compared to anything in Los Angeles

[Sally]

In Philadelphia, 44 percent of the teachers put their children in private schools

Why doesn't that surprise me.

[GeoW]

Part of the reason IMO, is that teachers believe that environment plays a big role in personality development. I'm more of a believer in genetics myself.

[jtb162psu]

Philadelphia has a large population of Roman Catholics who prefer to send their kids to parochial schools. In some cases, the Church is also applying some pressure for these parents to "support" the Catholic schools, while at the same time providing financial incentives for them to do so.

What I find surprising is that the percentage is as low as 44.

It might also be noted that Philadelphia just relaxed its rule that teachers be residents of the district. I am sure that there are many teachers who would want their kids in public schools, as long as they aren't Philadelphia public schools.

[Hope]

My children go to catholic school. Many of the parents of their classmates are public school teachers. They send their kids to catholic school because the class sizes are small and, of course, for the religious aspect. I sent mine to catholic school because SDoL did nothing to help my child who has a learning disability. We were told, point blank, if you don't want to fight for every right your daughter has, move her out of the district because teachers are not willing to do what is required for a learning disabled child. We looked at all our options and the school we sent her to employs two teachers( one for math, one for reading) that give individualized classes to those that need it. I may have to pay tuition but it's well worth knowing that I don't have to fight for my daughter, the school does it!!

[Daisy Lee Myers]

Teachers don't control the district but they DO know what's wrong with it and their hands are tied. They just have to do the best they can for as many students as they can within the system to try to make a difference. I wouldn't send my children to private schools because I think the public school system has much more to offer...but then again, I wouldn't send my kids to public schools in PA either. I'd find a nice little state that has it all together and move there if it was for the sake of my kids, or throw a fit until they fix whatever district my kid is in. Teachers can't do it alone, parents can't do it alone, but when they ban together to make a positive change, it can happen.
Until we're all ready to roll up our sleeves and work together to fix the problems, they aren't going to go away. If we're going to place blame, there's no one to blame but ourselves. That goes for each and every one of us. Stand up, be heard and make the difference. Not just through griping or throwing fits, but by actually DOING something about it constructively.

Let's start now, is there a teacher in your child's system who IS making a difference? Is there a teacher who is doing everything they can to help your child? Let's hear some positive things, I know they're out there.

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