Dr.Bishop: Don’t Mince Maya’s Words
Dr. Bishop: Don’t Mince Maya’s words
Your proclaimed mantra, “When you know better, you do better,” (ADN, 1/20/24) is a direct quote borrowed from the esteemed author, poet, and activist, Maya Angelou.
Here it is in its entirety: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” - Maya Angelou
Ms.Angelou devoted her life to beauty in the name of civil rights, racial justice, inclusive communities, and a brighter future for those yet to come.
Your support of House Bill 140 could not be further from the original intent of Ms.Angelou’s words.
This bill feeds the systems that separate us. It does nothing to promote equality and inclusivity.
My personal experience informs my perspective:
I have a Masters in Education and a certificate in Waldorf Education. I pursued both because I wanted to be of service to my hometown’s diverse student population in a public charter school, which provides high-quality, alternative education. For free. For all. Or so I thought.
I assumed my classroom demographics would be representative of the ethnic and racial diversity that makes our city so special. While each of my classes were filled with phenomenal humans, diversity was wanting. Among the faculty as well.
I soon realized that charter schools largely retain families who can pack lunches for their children every day of the week; families who can provide transportation to and from school; families who can provide or afford childcare for at least one half-day a week; families who have the time and space to research, visit, and go through the lottery process; families who have the additional time, space, and resources to dedicate to their child’s education through volunteering in a myriad of needed ways typically required at a charter school.
HB140 caters towards some, while all but abandoning most.
As of today, there have been no approved amendments that include breaking down the aforementioned barriers to access these charters.
According to ASD’s website, of the 97 schools within ASD, 34 are Title 1. A school qualifies for Title 1 federal funding when the poverty level of the student population is 40% or more. Of the eight charter schools within ASD, one qualifies for Title 1 federal funding.
Let that sink in.
Rather than continue to strengthen our communities and villages through democratic and grassroot decision making processes and practices, this bill gives the governor and the handful of individuals he appoints all of the decision making power when it comes to authorizing new charter schools.
Whose voices will be heard? Whose will not?
Who will be the beneficiary of these new policies and who will not?
It is important to note parents from current charter schools have spoken out in opposition to HB140 and are in favor of increasing the current Base Student Allocation (BSA) to at least $1,413 for all public schools.
In 2022, I resigned from ASD. I am one of a growing number of educators departing due to a multitude of factors that make the job unsustainable, unhealthy, and unaffordable. Should we continue down this road, the trend will only continue.
Right now, Alaska has an excellent opportunity to invest in its future.
The young people are watching. The ones that love them are too. I believe that is all of us.
Each and every one of them deserve the best.
Tugging on Maya Angelou’s wise words, we can do better.
May we move in a way that harkens on our humanity and celebrates our differences.
Cited Works:
Maguire, S. (2024, January 20). Alaska House Republicans advance education bill over strong opposition from teachers and parents. Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved January 21, 2024, from https://www.adn.com/politics/alaska-legislature/2024/01/20/alaska-house-republicans-advance-education-bill-over-strong-opposition-from-teachers-and-parents/
The Power Within: Maya Angelou’s 10 Most Inspirational Quotes. (2023, June 23). Motiva. Retrieved January 21, 2024, from https://motiva.art/blog/the-power-within-maya-angelous-10-most-inspirational-quotes/
Title 1: Overview and Services. (2022). Anchorage School District. Retrieved January 21, 2024, from https://www.asdk12.org/titlei