| One of the most urban and populated cities in | | | | of how Boston Schools continue to better |
| America, Boston is subject to the dangers that | | | | themselves and acknowledge the need for |
| come with this description. Boston Schools have | | | | constant improvement. The point is not that |
| worked desperately to protect impressionable | | | | Boston Schools are devoted to reform - the point |
| students from negative situations. Not only do | | | | is who they are attempting to reform. Critics say |
| Boston Schools focus on after school activities to | | | | you cannot be reformed until you have been |
| occupy the time of students, they have | | | | formed. In the beginning it was first grade. Then |
| reformed the in-school experience as well. The | | | | there was kindergarten. Now there are multitudes |
| curriculum shakedown and new academic | | | | of private pre-schools, some with annual tuitions |
| standards in Boston Schools have transformed | | | | too outrageous to believe. Boston Schools' reform |
| the situation of many inner city students. These | | | | movement is an awesome effort and should in no |
| reforms were enacted to provide all urban area | | | | way be abandoned. But perhaps a reconsideration |
| students with better educational experiences. This | | | | of enthusiasm is in order. |
| is why Boston Schools are often hailed as models | | | | Since 2005, Boston Schools have invested 7.5 |
| of urban reform. | | | | million dollars in improving pre-k programs. Is there |
| The effort to captivate students is certainly | | | | a need to rush children into the chaotic river of |
| admirable, but how much can a student tolerate, | | | | organized education at such a young age? The |
| especially when the student in question is a | | | | basic idea at the core of the issue is a good one: |
| toddler? There has been a recent announcement | | | | get parents and children invested at an early age |
| that Boston Schools will begin work on an initiative | | | | so that they will be prepared for a disciplined |
| to jump-start the childhood learning programs | | | | academic career with the Boston Schools. But |
| around the city. There are many early childhood | | | | early childhood educators point out that not all |
| educational facilities in existence, but Boston | | | | learning comes from books and memorization. |
| Schools are working to strengthen the potential | | | | And for pre-schools much of it should come from |
| of each one. Earlier learning experiences are | | | | play. |
| supposed to motivate students later in life. But | | | | The aggressive approach to reform that Boston |
| there is a growing concern that children are losing | | | | Schools show has made many improvements to |
| the chance to be kids. Are the Boston Schools | | | | urban education in recent years. Yet many |
| robbing cradles in their effort to maintain the | | | | parents and educators question how much is too |
| wave of reform? | | | | much. |
| Some say that this dedication is a prime example | | | | |