Are Model Schools The Blueprint For Solving The Crisis In America's Schools?

We hear so much about the problems in America's public schools that one would think that our schools are a disaster.  Although there are many problems, there are also many dedicated teachers working hard under very difficult circumstances, and with limited resources, to teach our children and help them achieve their full potential.

However, one of the issues that has concerned me for many years is the failure of the majority of school districts in the United States to adapt to change and employ more effective means of engaging students and the emphasis on standardized testing rather than focusing on the needs of the students.  Much of this has been mandated by the federal government.

On tonight's show, we examine some of the schools that have departed from the normal methods used in most schools and who have been very successful in helping their students to excel.  Our special guest is Mr. Doron Townsell, a Partner with Ember Charter School for Mindful Education, Innovation & Transformation in Brooklyn, NY.  

We will discuss why these "model schools" have been able to achieve such great success, Common Core and standardized testing, the inequities in resources between schools in more affluent areas in contrast with rural and urban schools, assisting students with learning disabilities, dealing with difficult students, and much more.