San Francisco public schools Superintendent Arlene Ackerman wants to make her system a lot better for under-achieving minority students - and that's got the teachers union in a dither.

The Chron reports Ackerman has unveiled plans for 15 "Dream Schools" in the next two years. Located in or near minority populations, they'll emphasize college prep courses. Students will wear uniforms, the school day will be longer, and (according to another story I've seen), parents will be required to sign contracts committing to serious involvement in their child's education.

Oh, and this, which has the union spitting nails: principals, teachers and teachers aides will have to re-apply for their jobs because Ackerman wants only the best, most committed educators at the Dream Schools.

Like this guy, who spoke to The Chron's Heather Knight.

But not all teachers are concerned about Ackerman's plan. Eric Walker, a seventh and eighth grade social studies teacher at Twenty-First Century, said he will gladly reapply for his job. He said he hopes the rigorous academics envisioned by Ackerman convince his students -- who are largely African American -- to dedicate themselves to school.

"It's beaten into them that the only way the can make it in life is to be able to carry a football or rap some verse. Academics haven't been emphasized, " Walker said. "My job isn't secure, but that isn't important to me now ... . The children come first.

Would that the Seattle School Board had the guts to open 15 Dream Schools in SF's mold. Interesting Seattle ties here: support for the Dream Schools plan is coming in part from The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. And Ackerman is a former Deputy Superintendent for Seattle Public Schools.

Via The Usual Suspects.

Posted by Matt Rosenberg at February 10, 2004 09:08 AM

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Tracked on February 11, 2004 06:08 PM