Submitted by Alfonse Hubbard, Feb 25, 2008 21:50

Having experience the education system from the other the side of the track and now experiencing it as a teacher from a total different vantage point, I know there is some truth to the disparity and incompetence within the public school system. I enjoy, in theory, the protection that the union affords its members, but I am opposed to the union or other entity interfering with the management and reconstruction of a broken or failing school system due to the incompetence of educator or its staff members.

As a student, I quietly suffer dearly as my primary as well as my secondary teacher would often infer that, "Alfonse you are different, you are a good student, and if only you would follow me to another school out of this ghetto I would show you that I could teach". Huh! After having about 13 teachers/substitute teachers in the fourth grade it is no wonder why some schools fail to meet the basic needs of its students.

After having spent 17 years in the I/T field; I promise myself that I would return. I have kept my promise to return back to the school system and to try to provide stable while making a different in young kids' lives. Many of the teacher I know would not dream of bring their kids up in the school system that I current work at and I am embarrass for them. Would we stand for incompetence from the medical profession, would we tolerate doctor's choosing to give less than their best to treat their patients? As an educator, Dr. Paige, is blowing the whistle on a broken system...his attempt with great success is bridging the quality gaps within the school system. I have personally seen on a consistent base better prepare group students equip to handle grade level and above material. I feel confident that the students at my school could transfer anywhere and rival the best. I could assert this statement with confident prior to the No Child Left Behind Act. We are just beginning to see the fruit this program.

I welcome Dr. Paige's book and I encourage all to read it. We know that all school systems are not equal. Dr. Paige as well as his opponent all agreed that we must fix the problem by providing equality and quality within all public school system.

Brother Alfonse Hubbard

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