Where We Live: Dr. Steve Perry's Education Revolution
The founder of the Capital Prep Magnet School on his successes and failures.
Principal Steve Perry has been hailed for his “tough love and high expectations” at Capital Prep Magnet School in Hartford.
He’s had success in keeping kids in school in a city that’s struggled with dropout rates for decades. He preaches strict discipline and no excuses. He greets kids every morning at a school right downtown - in a famous former department store. The students wear uniforms - and he says all of them go to college.
This has gotten him into the national spotlight, and onto cable TV shows - he’s a regular on CNN.
But maintaining success is difficult. As we head back to school, we’ll talk to Perry about what he’s doing to close the nation’s biggest achievement gap.
Send to friend
Printer-friendly version
I don't believe in ed reform. I believe in ed revolution.
Comments
I agree with much of what Dr.
I agree with much of what Dr. Perry said during this show; however, I do think that there is somewhat of a "selection process" for Capital Prep's students. First of all the student has to have a parent who at least has the knowledge and motivation to enter the child's name in the lottery to get in. There are many children whose parents are not capable or willing to even do this much for their child. Also, the parent has to be on board in terms of punctuality, attendance, and homework for the child to be able to stay at the school. I have many family members and friends who are excellent teachers in inner city schools, but with students with excessive absences and tardies and who will do no school work outside of the school day to further their education, it is impossible for them to achieve the results achieved at Capital Prep. Watching the movie "Waiting for Superman" also gives one an idea of how difficult it is to secure a place for your child with the lottery system - so many children turned away: heartbreaking!
Listener email from Liz
Listening to your program I am surprised that special education and learning disabilities haven't come up in conversation. The students in capital schools free from such disabilities? If so isn't it easier to have 100% graduates that move on to college.
Listener email from Sandy
I have 2 questions for Mr. Perry:
1. What percent of the 40 hr school week (40 hrs for teachers and administrators) do you spend in your school?
2. Why does a public school principal need an entertainment publicist?
Steve is very passionate, but
Steve is very passionate, but I disagree with him when he says that economics does not play a role in whether or not a child will be successful. I don't care how good a teacher is, if a child is coming to school from a toxic situation, how can she/he be expected to concentrate? And, he gives a horrible interview. I had to turn the station, couldn't stand to hear him speak after a while.
Thank you!!!
Dr. Steve Perry, I'm so glad to hear your statement about "it's one thing to know it and another to teach it." I've been preaching this for years and it seems some people just don't understand. Thank you!
Listener email from Nina
your guest claims that good teachers are born, not made. in that case it follows that good students are born, not made.
i think it is some combination of born not made. but your guest wants to have it both ways. he MAKES good students but finds the born teachers
Post new comment