The U.S. education system is marred by scandals that threaten its integrity and future – from funding to cheating in college admissions. On March 11, 2019, President Trump and Education Secretary, Betsy DeVos proposed budget cuts to education funding. The 2020 budget aims to deduct $7.1 billion from the education department compared to the previous year. Whether or not the proposal goes through is up to Congress.
A day later (March 12) after the budget proposal by the Trump administration, William “Rick” Singer pleaded guilty to charges in a college admissions scandal that has raised questions of integrity. More than 50 athletics coaches and parents were accused of bribery to get their children into select universities. These current events paint an ugly picture of the U.S. education system.
What can be done to remedy the current situation and avoid the disaster that might be looming? As doubts linger of the dark days to come, one school in New York is making commendable strides to set an example for urban education.
What is Unique About CAMPA Charter School?
CAMPA (Collegiate Academy for Mathematics and Personal Awareness) is a middle school in Brooklyn, New York that is focused on holistic learning. The charter school pairs a math-focused academic program with personal awareness to equip students with the necessary skills to thrive. This mission is achieved through strong social development, deep ties to the community, and the insightful leadership of Principal Leonard and Director of Operations Gaston (both tried, tested, and proved). With the ongoing nationwide scandals, it might be easy to condemn the entire education department. But that’s not the full story; there is some good in the system.
Here’s why CAMPA Charter School is a shining example of the right mentality and values that should characterize not only New York City schools but the American education system as a whole:
Promoting Equality
What is the repercussion of the college admissions scandal? While some wealthy and well-connected parents bribed their way into prestigious higher learning institutions, hundreds of underprivileged and qualified students were victimized. This points to the issue of inequality in the system. CAMPA Charter School attempts to bridge the gap of social inequality by gradually proving that children from underserved communities (low income, Black, Latino, and special needs) can achieve academic success.
“The college admissions scandal that was revealed this week has sparked conversations around the country, not just about the scheme itself, but much bigger questions about access, race, class, and inequality in higher education.” – Judy Woodruff, PBS NewsHour Managing Editor
CAMPA recognizes that the needs of underserved students are great and attempts to guarantee success by employing a “no excuses” approach – give them more of everything to put them at par with their peers. How is this goal achieved? Through a rigorous curriculum, genuine love, discipline, and high expectations. CAMPA believes that education must be the vehicle through which children impacted by poverty will succeed.
“Our school community believes that public education can still be and must be the great equalizer that allows students born into poverty to lead as successful and productive lives as their counterparts who were born into more comfortable means.” – Niaka Gaston, Director of Operations
Molding Future Leaders
“How can children truly be college ready if they don’t have the necessary skills and access to higher level courses?” This question by Director of Operations Gaston highlights the school’s approach to promulgating high standards and implementing a college-preparatory curriculum focusing on the social needs of students. CAMPA aims to prepare underserved students for high school, college, and the future.
“It is unacceptable to continue to leave a generation of children behind; for in doing so we drag our country down with the economic costs of lost productivity and the societal and financial burdens of poverty, crime, addiction and the other social ills that occur when individuals are marginalized.” – Principal George Leonard
CAMPA builds future leaders and ensures that a generation of children is not left behind by introducing a high school curriculum early. The school expects 8th graders to graduate with at least 8 Regents exams in 2021 (Trigonometry, Geometry, Algebra I, Physics, Chemistry, Living Environment, United States History & Government, and Global History & Geography) – this sets CAMPA apart from its peers.
The results speak for themselves! CAMPA has witnessed vast successes in performance and a positive mood among the students and parents. Why wouldn’t they? Their children are receiving quality and accessible education in their East New York neighborhood. Eighteen 7th graders, including one special needs student, passed the Living Environments Regents examination to set the stage for higher objectives. It’s evident that CAMPA is a model for the education system.
“Educational systems mistakenly treat children as if they don’t have the capacity to do more and be more,” Niaka Gaston, Director of Operations
By Writing Yodah
