Is Oprah Superman?

Twice this week Oprah hosted shows about the state of education in our country.  On the first show she bashed teachers and their unions.  She promoted a few "great" public schools, but failed to mention all of them were charter schools.  Ms. Winfrey also failed to explain to her audience how charter schools and regular public schools differ.  Her guest were the Chancellor of the Washington DC public schools, a film maker and Bill Gates.  Due to the massive amount of response she got on the first show she held a second addition on Friday.  From what I hear she had flown in teachers that responded to the topic of the first show, but gave them very little chance to talk.  Instead she introduced a politician from Newark, NJ, Zuckerburger (Facebook founder), and a few other politicans.  She also welcomed Arne Duncan, the head of the U. S. Department of Education.

Several years ago Ms. Winfrey built a school in Africa.  When asked about why she did not start a school in the United States Ms. Winfrey replied:  “I became so frustrated with visiting inner-city schools that I just stopped going. The sense that you need to learn just isn’t there,” she says. “If you ask the kids what they want or need, they will say an iPod or some sneakers. In South Africa, they don’t ask for money or toys. They ask for uniforms so they can go to school.”  


Ms. Winfrey did not use her show to talk about the many issues determining whether or not a child gets the education he/she needs.  She chose to use these shows to attack educators.  This is contradicting something she recognized in American children/families  just a few years ago.   Why not address all the individuals involved- students, parents, educators and the politicians making decisions?  Ms. Winfrey deliberately hushed the voices of educators.  Do you think she has forgotten the reality she witnessed to promote a political agenda?  Voters don't want to hear they are the problem, but instead want a "superman" to fix the problem.  Is Oprah Superman?

We do need changes in public education, but I'm not sure throwing money at the problem is the answer.  One hundred million dollars will buy lots of pretty stuff, but it will not solve the problem.  This money could also provide the means to keep kids in school longer hours or provide after school programs, but cost them valuable time with their families.  Why not get lots of parents, educators and business leaders together to talk about this issue?  Let everyone share their frustrations and goals. I think people will be pleasantly surprised all of these groups want the the same thing.  After the parents, educators and business leaders have talked then go to the politicians and tell them what is needed to fix it.  Maybe it isn't money we need, but a change in policies.