Students Thrive When They’re Not Isolated, Community Rolls Up Its Sleeves

September 1, 2015

By Emily Elliott, Executive Director

Below is my two-minute response to the prompt “What Matters Most in Education,” shared recently with candidates for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education during a recent Community Conversation hosted by MeckEd.

What matters most to me in public education is that our students in need are not isolated and that every child has the opportunity to fully realize his/her potential. This cannot be a “my children vs. other people’s children” question in Charlotte.

What I can add to the conversation is what I see on a day-to-day basis which is how often that when people are asked “Will you be a volunteer tutor? Will you spend an hour per week to help a student who is struggling, who is not your child?” – how often people say YES. Hundreds of people are willing to help – business people, young professionals, community volunteers, college students. Many have no other interaction with public schools on a regular basis – 70% of Heart volunteers, actually – but they are rolling up their sleeves and care DEEPLY about Charlotte’s children.

When in the schools, they see great things – talented teachers, hard-working administrators. They are also asking questions: Why is my student this far behind? Clearly, he can learn.

We cannot let ourselves get used to the numbers – that more than half of economically disadvantaged students are not proficient in math and reading.

In many ways, community members reduce isolation. Xavier now knows someone who works in a tall building downtown and has plans to do so himself. When we ask what he will do in the tall building, he says, “I’m going to own it!”

I share this both as a bright spot – people care about this – but also to tell elected officials, please know, when you are making decisions about resource allocation and school assignments, please know that there is will, there is increasing knowledge, and there is LOVE of students whose odds are stacked against them. I see it every day. The community is behind you and is watching, and your work is urgent.