My visit to Cherokee Elementary School, a Core Knowledge school in Americus, Georgia last week provided an interesting and inspiring experience. Here in this small, rural community (population 17,000) I found a delightful and well-maintained mid-sized school, under the leadership of Dr. Wanda Jackson. Cherokee is clearly committed to excellence and fairness in early education and has fully embraced the ideas set forth by E.D. Hirsch, Jr. and the Core Knowledge Foundation.
I first met Dr. Jackson at our Leadership Institute a couple of years ago. She was so excited about implementing Core Knowledge and invited me to please pay them a visit. If you recall, Americus was hit with a terrible hurricane last year. I spoke to Dr. Jackson in the aftermath of the hurricane and she indicated that no matter what had occurred with respect to the hurricane, Cherokee Elementary was dedicated to Core Knowledge now more than ever. She indicated that they were planning a Core Knowledge Day for the community and that someone from the Foundation had to come. When I considered all that had happened to this community and their commitment to Core Knowledge, I had to go.
Cherokee’s commitment to Core Knowledge is further evidenced in how the school has engaged its entire community. My visit included a breakfast meeting with the Superintendent of Schools, various principals, central office staff, school board members, city councilors, and other interested citizens. Never before have I had the opportunity to speak to such an array of interested individuals who were so receptive to the work of the Foundation, in general, and the progress of a school in particular. Prior to my presentation, we were all entertained by a choral group and students from the art club who, under the direction of the art and music teachers demonstrated how music and art can be integrated into Core Knowledge history and geography. It was an exciting and educational experience.
After a day of classroom visits, came the grand finale of my visit. That evening I was treated to a spaghetti dinner along with over 200 parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and anyone else who saw the sign welcoming me to Cherokee Elementary. Again the students entertained the audience with songs and recitals. The teachers, who I really enjoyed meeting and visiting their classrooms, served dinner to the parents and students. I made a short presentation and spent the rest of the time talking to parents.
In 12 years of traveling the country to visit Core Knowledge schools, this visit stands out as one of my best.
Gerald Terrell is the Executive Vice President, K-8 Schools, of the Core Knowledge Foundation
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Cherokee is clearly committed to excellence and fairness in early education…
What exactly does “fairness” here mean? Or, to put it another way, what would be an “unfair” education?
Sounds like quite a unified community (regardless of educational methods). It will be interesting to see the educational metrics in a decade or so.
All too often, when children from disadvantaged backgrounds enter school, they are met with low expectations and unchallenging curricula. At Cherokee Elementary and other Core Knowledge schools, ALL children are taught relevant and challenging knowledge that provides the foundation for successful learning in the future regardless of their socio-economic background. The Core Knowledge Foundation believes that America’s schools can create a fairer and more literate society by offering all students a solid, specific, sequenced and shared curriculum.
Gerald L Terrell, from disadvantaged backgrounds enter school, they are met with low expectations [and not taught] challenging knowledge
So…if I understand you, those who desire more focus on the basics (at the expense of knowledge curriculum) are pushing an “unfair” education?
I find this view quite interesting, and I think I’m beginning to understand the ideology of the Core Knowledge movement better; it’s a moral position as much as an educational one. White Hats and Black Hats and all that.
I guess I’m kind of a Black Hat guy…even worse, I personally choose and use this sort of “unfair” education for my own children. Now that’s twisted :-)!
I do agree somewhat, however, that my educational methods are sort of unfair…if only because I expect my children to blow the academic doors off students who are flying past the basics to seek this impressive “sequenced and shared” knowledge curriculum.
But only time and metrics will complete this tale.
Thank you for the visit and the support. Cherokee Elementary is such a strong learning institution with awesome teachers and great students. It was a pleasure to have your support in Americus. Our goal at Cherokee is to build a village of culturally literate youth who will engage in life long learning. We simply care about children, thanks again. Dr. Jackson and Faculty
Dr. Jackson has high expectations for all CES stakeholders. Cherokee Elementary students demonstrate on a daily basis that ‘disadvantaged’ children can achieve at high levels given necessary support. I am proud CES’ students, staff, and leadership.
Mrs. Bari Geeslin, Assistant Superintendent, Sumter County
Dr. Jackson:
It goes without saying that I am very proud of your acheivements. Your leadership is second to none. Keep up the good work. Just
remember to keep God on your side and everything will be alright.