Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are known for caring deeply and actively for education. This Seattle-based foundation saw fit to award three school districts and one charter school, grants ranging from 40-100 million dollars, to promote effective teaching methods and professional training. Memphis City School system is among the lowest graded public school system in Tennessee, but with a $90,000,000 grant, Memphis can recruit and and reward effective teachers to raise the score.
Eighty-three percent of the 109,000 students that attend the Memphis City Schools are eligible for free lunches; that is the biggest percentage out of the schools awarded the grants. As you may or may not know, Memphis City School is mostly African American students. As a product of the Memphis City School system, I can honestly say that help couldn't come at a better time. Memphis' educational system surely needs teachers with great technological knowledge and implement methods that will keep students engaged, interested, and longing for more learning. This is what can carry over in their post-secondary goals. Students want to learn and feel like their teachers care about their future. But it starts at home. Parents have to be more responsible for their children's education.
And since students are away for 8 hours of the day with one or more teachers, those hours have to have stimulation and creativity involved. When graduation arrives, these students will have established meaningful mentorships and connections, and feel empowered.
I am sooo happy the Gates Foundation have sent a blessing to my city. I hope to see our children grow and become fruitful citizens of Memphis and this country.
For more on this great story, visit: http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2009/11/19/13gates.h29.html?tkn=QVSFg34gg06FK2R5AIL%2F7xEzBGjTtSW1YVJ%2B