Public education has been the bedrock of the U.S. economy since the mid-19th century, when good-thinking reformers realized that America's advancement in the world economy required skilled workers.
The public education model worked well through the first two-thirds of the 20th century for most students. Then a federal report in 1983 indicated very low academic achievement in public schools.The same report showed that American students were lagging behind students from other industrialized countries.Since then a common belief has grown that our schools have failed our communities. But some people, including me, believe the reverse may be more accurate. Our communities may have failed our schools.Take what has happened right here in Tarrant County. For the most part, I believe our public school facilities provide a good environment for students to learn and teachers to teach. Some facilities are even world-class. The great majority of our teachers and administrators are qualified, experienced and truly committed to ensuring that their students receive the best education possible.Is it just coincidence that in better-performing schools there is greater parental and community participation and involvement?As part of a larger effort on education with United Way Worldwide, United Way of Tarrant County hosted community conversations with groups across the county. Nearly everyone we talked to said education is at the top of their priority list.One common theme throughout our discussions was that change in the public education system is needed and that it will take the whole community to make that happen. Some expressed that if neighborhoods and communities want to thrive, they must take a greater role in ensuring that their local schools are performing well. Parental involvement in the education process was recognized as an absolute priority.Even if your children already have graduated or are in private schools, we all have a responsibility to ensure that our public schools are performing at a high level.United Way of Tarrant County has identified three pressure points on the path to graduation that can make or break a child's education. We are working with three of our county's largest independent school districts and other service providers to ensure that preschool students enter kindergarten ready to learn, that students in the third grade are reading at grade level and that middle school students successfully transition to high school.We must ensure the well-being and education of every child in our community. We have not done so in the recent past. According to information provided by the Center for Public Policy Priorities, children in Tarrant County public schools lag behind the state averages for students passing the reading and math TAKS. On-time graduation rates are difficult to measure and quantify, but they are abysmally low in many of our high schools. Tarrant County also lags behind many state averages that measure the well-being of our children, according to the center's 2011 "Texas KIDS COUNT" report.Public school education is the foundation of achieving the American dream. The future of our children and of our local economy will depend on the quality of our public education across Tarrant County. It is imperative that we as a community join hands to make adequate and sustainable funding of our children's education a reality; if not now, then certainly in the next legislative biennium.As a former businessman, I know how important it is for young people not only to graduate on time, but graduate ready to succeed either in a career or a college. You can help ensure that success. United Way of Tarrant County is part of a national United Way effort to recruit a million volunteer readers, tutors and mentors over the next three years. If you want to help children reach their potential, e-mail United Way Volunteer Engagement Vice President Debbie McGee at debbie.mcgee@unitedwaytarrant.org.Please join with other local volunteers to make a difference. The futures of our young people and our community are at stake.Tim McKinney is president and CEO of United Way of Tarrant County. www.unitedwaytarrant.orgHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
