We the People’s Forum: Are our Schools fulfilling their mission?

A few decades ago, public schools were not very controversial. They taught the vast majority of American children at the time to read and write; a high school diploma meant you were ready to enter the workforce (unless you went off to college), and how to make sure everyone got there was a concern of parents, teachers, and school boards. Of course, some students went to religious schools, but that was mainly a cultural choice, not a political one.

Recently, however, public schools have been in the spotlight for bitter controversies about what to teach and how, for their failure to prepare students to meet the world, for conflicts between school boards, parents, and teachers, and for racial and economic discrimination. Those issues were amplified by disputes over school closing in response to COVID.

Come join us to have a thoughtful and civil conversation on the situation in our public schools, with everyday citizens who happen to be teachers and/or parents leading the discussion. Let’s understand what we have in common, where our differences lie and see if we can chart a course for our schools that we can all endorse. Our lead-off speakers will address the questions to set the stage for us to share our experiences and views.

What do you believe should be the mission of our public schools?

What could we do to get them back on track if they are not fulfilling that mission?

** This event is open to the media upon approval. Media contact: Ciaran O’Connor, ciaran@braverangels.org