Now that the presidential election is over, many of us are wondering what we can do to bring people together, to heal divides, to build inclusive citizenship…
And many of us are also in the midst of deciding where our kids will attend school next Autumn. Luckily, here is an easy action that could do both at the same time!
Take the TWO TOUR Pledge!
As a Parent-with-Choice in support of the fundamental premise that all children have the right to a quality education, and with the belief that in choosing a school for my child I am also building the world they will live in as an adult,
- I pledge to tour 2 schools that serve a majority of students from different racial/socioeconomic backgrounds than my family. I will tour these two schools regardless of their test scores, reputation or any “bad/scary” stories I have heard about them. I will tour these two schools with an open mind and heart.
- I will find at least 2 positive things to say about each.
- I will tell 2 parent-friends about those tours & the nice things I found.
- I will encourage 2 parent-friends to also take this pledge.
- Furthermore, I pledge to ask 2 questions (or more!) about socioeconomic, racial/ethnic and linguistic diversity at all the schools I tour/consider for my child.
That’s it. The pledge isn’t asking you to enroll your children at either of these schools, or recruit your friends to enroll their kids there. It’s simply inviting you to check out two schools that you weren’t considering – that might have a reputation that caused you to dismiss them as not right for your family – and ask yourself if you could envision your child there. Ask yourself if maybe this school could be good.
As for that last item… when you are touring the schools that were already on the top of your list, the schools with the robotics labs and the PTA sponsored Musical Theatre club, and all the fancy programs that affluent-segregated schools provide… ask them two questions about the socio-economic AND racial-ethnic diversity at that school. (Here is a sample of some questions to ask)
How does this help build a more unified future for our country?
Our public schools are more segregated than ever before and unless we make conscious and deliberate decisions, our children will most likely attend school with kids just like them. While that might feel “safe” and comfortable now, the world that prepares them for is a continuation of the polarization that our country is currently experiencing.
There are piles of research showing that middle class kids are not academically harmed by attending a high-free/reduced-lunch school, and the benefits for kids of all backgrounds being educated together are transformational for kid and country, now and in the future. All children win when all children are together.
Read the research, hear the stories (we have compiled some resources here). Integration doesn’t have to be sacrifice.
Because YOU – not any school – are the most influential thing in your child’s life, because you are not only choosing the school that will help your kid become a successful, empathetic and well-adjusted adult, you are building the world they will live in.
What do you want that world to look like?
Take the pledge.
Register your pledge here!
Empathy is the solution to some many of the issues that are plaguing us right now. Empathy is only achieved by exposure to people who are different from ourselves. School integration is the most effective way I can think of to achieve this goal and start to see the world from perspectives other than our own.
so thrilled to share this simple idea with my community. I can’t believe the horrible generalizations I have heard about my neighborhood school- from people who have barely even bothered to drive past!
I think this is an awesome idea. The easiest way to learn and embrace the diversity of others is to be a part of a diverse community. Diverse schools are a must. This is where children learn to nurture friendships/relationships and resolve ignorant ideas about others. Love this idea!