NJ Spotlight published the following opinion piece on April 21, 2014. To read the full op-ed, click here.
OPINION: SEARCHING FOR NEW WAYS OF PROMOTING OPPORTUNITY
ROLAND ANGLIN | APRIL 21, 2014Before discussing theories of 21st century education, we must find ways to educate the most vulnerable children — in urban and rural settings
Those who have read my contributions to these pages know that youth unemployment is a major concern of mine. There are so many kids from urban and rural places in New Jersey who are over age and under accredited and on their way to leaving school without a credential.
It is precisely those young people that we need to worry about, since they are on the path to join the ranks of the chronically unemployed.
It is not just a matter of improving schools. Many of these young people have experienced trauma and are challenged by limited cognitive skills that restrict their ability to enter the workforce as it stands. They also challenge school reform efforts greatly.