by Eric M. Wallace, PhD
In May 27th's Chicago Tribune is a story about the Urban Prep Charter Academy. The founders of this school are thinking outside the box to make education about the kids, not the teachers. This is a good argument for school choice if I ever read one.
Senator Meeks, Senate President Emil Jones, you guys need to fight for our kids and not the teachers' unions. If you did we'd have more schools like Urban Prep and fewer kids dropping out of high school and turning to a life of crime.
Here's Urban Prep's creed:
We Believe.
We are the Young men of Urban Prep.
We are college bound.
We are exceptional--not because we say it,
but because we work hard at it.
We will not falter in the face of any obstacle placed before us.
We are dedicated, committed and focused.
We never succumb to mediocrity, uncertainty, or fear
We never fail because we never give up.
We make no excuses.
We Choose to live honestly, nonviolently and honorably.
We respect ourselves and, in doing so respect all people.
We have a future for which we are accountable.
We have a responsibility to our families, community, and world.
We are our brothers' keepers.
We believe in ourselves.
We believe in each other.
We believe in Urban Prep.
WE BELIEVE.
Now who can argue with this creed? God bless Urban Prep.
