Conventional wisdom is that as a result of the desegregation order in the Dallas Independent School District, “white flight” to the suburbs and private schools began
Conventional wisdom also is that as the quality of education in DISD deteriorated, public education in suburban districts such as Plano and Richardson became highly sought-after.
Among some, the current conventional wisdom is that the quality of a public education in these suburbs is questionable.
Everything is relative, and suburban schools are still preferred to DISD. But being “better than the worst” is hardly an inspiring motto.
Many parents in the Richardson Independent School District choose to send their children to private schools, and some are even home-schooling. At the same time, many argue that RISD is better now than it has ever been.
But there appears to be a growing discomfort among some RISD families with the district’s administration and curriculum.
In recent months, conservative school board trustees have either been defeated or left the school board. Does this mean conservatives will simply abandon the “public school ship” and opt for private schools or home-schooling? Are the objections with the RISD administration legitimate? How many people really have a problem with RISD policies?
My first-hand observations are not scientifically or statistically representative, but they are my observations. Almost all of the elementary-aged children in my immediate neighborhood attend the same private school.
Why don’t these kids, including my oldest kid, go to Lake Highlands Elementary School? In my case, I am of the opinion that a better education can be obtained from a private school.
What happens when these kids move from elementary school to junior high? At least with respect to the kids who attend the private school near me, most of them go on to Lake Highlands Junior High School.
Why is that? Is the junior high better than the elementary school?
What are the questions parents consider when choosing where to educate their children? Why do parents choose to pay the significant tuition charged by private schools on top of the rapidly-increasing property taxes charged by RISD?
Conversely, why do some parents believe that RISD provides not only an adequate, but a superior education? Would these parents ever opt for private school, or are they die-hard supporters of the public-school system?
The answers to these questions would provide great insight into how RISD parents, and more specifically Lake Highlands parents, think.
I am curious, and I think Advocate readers are, too.
For that reason, I am writing, even imploring you to let your voice be heard and your opinions read. Drop your written comments to me in care of the Advocate at 6510 Abrams, Suite 220, Dallas 75231 or fax to 341-0204. Or leave a message on the Advocate’s voice-mail at 761-3834 (request Advocate editor Becky Bull’s extension).
Sharing opinions helps us become more of a community. Take the time to help others understand why you choose public, private or home school.
Had home-school been available when I was a kid, I would have excelled at sneaking Oreos and M&Ms out of the pantry.
Let me hear from you.
