Submitted by Martin L Schneider, Dec 29, 2006 09:37

I observed the renascence of PS8 in Brooklyn Heights. Every possible effort was made to involve the parents from the projects and it was an uphill and discouraging battle but certain heroes in the neighborhood persisted and kept at it, coffee klatch after coffee klatch.

On the one hand, the upscale neighborhood, which had abandoned the school to the Projects decades ago, had to be convinced that it could be restored to a decent effective school. On the other hand, one had to walk on eggs while trying to lure the existing parents into a role which they were not accustomed to. But the door was swung open, it just took a long while for them to get the message.

Then, also, the school administration had to be positive about the school's future. That was when an enlightened school administration in one important step got rid of a traditional-minded, political-type supervisor and unimaginative principal and installed new, fresh leadership. That was the catalyst that really got things going.

For this to spread you need all three elements working for you: New, positive minded parents with high standards for the education of their children; Parents from the lower income groups to change their atitude about taking a role in their kids' educaiton; and a forward moving school administration.

Note: Comments are screened, and in some cases edited, before posting. We reserve the right to reject anything we find objectionable.