Rochester's Citizens United for Real Education (Rochester's CURE) to Hold Second, Monthly, General Meeting on March 26, 2005

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Widespread, consistent involvement of Rochester City School District (RCSD) parents, as equal partners in decision-making at every level of the education system is the critical, missing link relative to bringing about much-needed change and significantly improved academic achievement for our children.


Rochester's Citizens United for Real Education (Rochester's CURE)
 
A Report To The Community (March 6, 2005)
 
 
 
Citizens United for Real Education (CURE) held our first General Meeting on February 26, 2005.Click on the following link to view a video clip: http://www.wroctv.com/news/story.asp?id=16865&r=l. The focus included generating a list of issues that participants felt are most critical for Rochester City School District's (RCSD) students, parents, community members and educators.The group formulated a list of over twenty (20) issues, and agreed that it would focus on two (2) of the issues as a starting point. The two issues include addressing: 1) the RCSD's 'revolving door' suspension policy, and the lack of adequate alternatives to suspension; 2) the inconsiderate, disrespectful and unprofessional manner in which the Rochester Board of Education conducts its public meetings. Participants also identified the following as critical issues within the RCSD that need to be addressed. 
  • Hypocritical environment: schools say one thing/do another
  • Need for more African American teachers/administrators
  • Feelings of hopelessness/helplessness on the part of students
  • Individual and institutional racism
  • Grade inflation/academic dishonesty
  • Anti-intellectual culture
  • Low expectations
  • Social Promotion
  • Lack of resistance on the part of leadership regarding state and federal mandates
  • Appropriate placement of students
  • Need for better trained teachers to work with special needs students instead of constant suspension
  • Violence --- students and staff
  • Inclusion --- possibilities for success don't match theory
  • Circumstances block teaching and learning
  • Class size
  • Inappropriate/inadequate professional development
  • Inadequate training/qualified administrators and teachers
  • Liability vs. authority (for staff)
  • City's priorities (spending)
  • Inequitable funding within the RCSD
  • Lack of cleanliness in regard to health of students and staff
  • Lack of discipline in schools  
Participants agreed to bring specific ideas to the next General Meeting (March 26th) relative to addressing the suspension issue in particular. However, if there is anyone who would like to take the lead in developing ideas for addressing any issue on the list, or important issues that may not be on the list, we welcome your input and participation.
 
Howard J. Eagle, Public Relations Subcommittee Chairperson
Rochester's Citizens United for Real Education (Rochester's CURE)
(585) 719-9260; heagle@rochester.rr.com  
 
 

The Rochester City School District is ill. Like any other patient, the school district needs medicine. With your help and support, Rochester’s Citizens United for Real Education (Rochester’s C.U.R.E.) intends to develop the right prescription!

 WHAT: COMMUNITY MEETING

 WHEN: SATURDAY, March 26, 2005 

 TIME: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

WHERE: ROCHESTER COMMUNITY TELEVISION BUILDING (21 GORHAM STREET ---  OFF OF ST. PAUL STREET --- HEADING AWAY FROM DOWNTOWN, RIGHT TURN BEFORE UPPER FALLS)

WHY: TO BUILD AN INDEPENDENT ORGANIZATION OF PARENTS, EDUCATORS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS --- SO THAT WE CAN DEMAND CHANGE IN THE ROCHESTER CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT!!!!!!!

WHO: ROCHESTER’S C.U.R.E. AND YOU



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