Cristo Rey

In the "Up in the Air" section, the authors write that every worker's challenge in holding "a job for any length of time at any company - large or small, new or old, is to develop the skills needed to keep up" (65).  Just KEEP UP?!  I thought that was crazy!  Are we falling so far behind that workers should not worry about exceeding or transcending or making great changes....they should only worry about keeping up?

Later on in "Homework x2 = The American Dream," the authors state that with our world changing so drastically, education is no longer a choice like it was 50 years ago where educated or not, people could still get a decent job and make a decent living.  Now, education "is a necessity for a middle-class standard of living" (101).

So an education will get you a middle class job and then your skills will only allow you to keep up?  It sounds dull and mediocre and like many others who have already posted....I too felt disheartened and concerned about what I can do to change our current situation....which is why I was excited to read about Cristo Rey Philadelphia High in Tuesday's Inquirer.  Cristo Rey is a new private school for low-income students.  The first (and only class so far) consists of 125 ninth graders who are currently participating in a three-week boot camp that includes classes and activities to prepare them for their new school experience.  The school offers college prep classes and work study jobs.  Students work five days a month at local corporations and these wages cover 60% of their tuition.  The rest of the tuition will be paid by the family depending on their income and the rest is covered by fund-raising.  The corporations participating so far are Temple University, the Mayor's Office, and Independence Blue Cross.  These establishments provide jobs and mentors for the students that will teach them promptness, responsibility, and a strong work ethic.  It also gives the students a look into a possible career.

I love the idea of making the students accountable for their own education and tuition.  If they don't go to work or if they are irresponsible in some other way while at their job, then they can't work and can't pay their tuition.  I think too many students take their free education for granted, but if they have to actually work to fund it, then it is that much more important to them during the process and much more satisfying in the end.  Plus, they are gaining work experience and a glimpse into career options.

Looking at the big picture (and not just my little bubble at H-H), an innovative school with a novel idea will hopefully produce creative students with critical thinking skills.  Since this book focuses on the crisis in American education and the loss of so many jobs, I hope that new schools, new programs, and new initiatives will foster the growth of education in our country.