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Fenger students get bid to opt out

So here is the Realpolitik of education, Chicago style. Through school deform called Renaissance 2010, which is really a gentrification plan giving private vendors inordinate power over public schools, put low income students in a dangerous situation. Then tell them if they don't like that school, they can go to a school run by the military.

By Azam Ahmed and William Lee

Chicago Public Schools announced Thursday that it will open enrollment at a Far South Side military academy for students who no longer want to attend Fenger High School after a fatal beating there last month, but some questioned how many actually will qualify under the school's selective criteria.

The district said it would accept applications for next semester at Carver Military Academy from several area communities, including those from Altgeld Gardens housing complex, where students have had a long-simmering conflict with students in the Fenger neighborhood.

The district did not specify how many slots will be opened because they don't know how many students will want to transfer. Children who choose Carver will still have to meet the academy's strict entrance criteria, based on seventh-grade test scores, attendance, grades and an interview.

"If your child goes to Fenger and you want to transfer your child out, we're giving you some options," said district spokeswoman Monique Bond. The district also will allow transfers to other Far South Side schools.

The decision comes as parents air concerns for student safety at Fenger, where the feud between students from the neighborhood around the school and those from Altgeld Gardens erupted in violence last month.

The brawl resulted in the fatal beating of Derrion Albert, 16. A video of the beating was circulated widely on television and the Web, prompting a national outcry and visits by Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Attorney General Eric Holder to address youth violence.

In response to the decision about Carver, some critics say that by keeping the same entrance requirements and military curriculum, not many of the students will be able to enroll.

"Only a few (Fenger students) are qualified," said the Rev. Jesse Jackson. "And that does not address those who cannot get accepted and must still cross through the safety zone."

Ald. Carrie Austin, 34th, backed the plan at a community meeting in her ward Thursday evening, adding that she hoped district officials would help students with the entrance exam.

What a poor solution. Ignore the gang issue, and give each group turf? How does this help? Change the culture. It will require effort, but the community needs leaders, inspiration!

Daley needs to take those furlough days and tie it into community service. He should include community service in the next UNION contract negoiations. If the unions refuse to give back to the city, then you don't want them or their kind. They are paid on the tax payer dime, let them meet the people that they are working for.

These kids need to see some options. I would love to see some trade education in the school. Carpenters, plumbers, mechanics, electricians, sanitation workers, brick layers, laborers, building inspectors, truck drivers, and any other city union employee telling these kids that they can make it in the real world without gangs, violence, and drugs. These kids have been taught to think that if they can't go to college then they are worthless. (Not sure why, maybe too much emphasis on test scores, ACT or SAT)

Let's put some common sense into this equation. Relocation is a dumb idea that neither inspires solutions or prevents reoccurance.

— Azam Ahmed and William Lee
Chicago Tribune
2009-10-16
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-fenger-carver-16-oct16,0,3960884.story

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