Why do I advocate?

I was asked this evening why I do the things I do regarding DeKalb County Schools.

In addition to my belief that public schools are part of what built the 20th Century middle class is the following from an email I wrote.

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As a former special education paraprofessional, I was appalled at providing small group instruction in the hallway or teacher work room.

I have read the CRCT to students in a storage closet with no ventilation.

I have administered quizzes and tests on the cafeterium stage during lunch and on the steps of a school. 

My dream is a school where those things never happen.

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I feel compelled at this time to share that I believe public schools are charged with the impossible job of being "all things to all students." There will never be a public school that gets everything right for every student all the time.

Should "we" give up on public schools because they will never fulfill everyone's expectations? I don't think so.

Everyone should work with the schools in their community, advocate for the schools in their community, and, when needed, rail against the schools in their community in order to ensure the greatest number of students gets the best education possible.

Some of my neighbors are "over" the DeKalb County School District. I know people who have done all three things so long without seeing positive changes that they have given up on the district and have pulled their children out.

I can't give up.

It is too important to give up.