[Mpls] Superintendent Peebles

[Michael Atherton]

Buzzy Bohn wrote:

>  The whole notion that senior teachers don't teach in the 
>  schools with the most need, just isn't true.  If you look at 
>  schools like Bethune, North Star, Franklin, Loring and other 
>  Northside schools you will find many teachers with a lot of 
>  seniority.  I myself have 19 years seniority as an educational 
>  assisstant and have always choosen to work in the schools of my 
>  Northside community.

The lack of depth of this analysis is one reason I am fearful
of enrolling my children in the public schools and it's typical
of how many people in the public schools react only with denial
rather than critical reevaluation.

The claim is not that there are NO senior teachers in schools
dominated by minority students.  The claim is that these
schools have a disproportionate percentage of novice teachers.
If I recall correctly, the Tribune already did a story about
this problem.  When discussing this type of issues it is 
important to look at the numbers.  Perhaps someone from the 
MPS can provide us with a breakdown by school or by race 
matched with years of teaching experience?  Don't hold your
breath. 

Michael Atherton
Prospect Park