One Student’s Take On What Really Matters In DC Public Schools

By Liane Scott, on August 22nd, 2014

I asked DC Public School graduate Quintess Bond why she thought DCPS test scores were so low? She presents her thesis in the form of this documentary. In it, Quintess explores the theory that good schools need active parents, engaged students and a dedicated faculty and administrative staff. I think she puts a bit too much emphasis on the role of the parents but that can be forgiven. After suffering a stroke and losing her job, Quintess’ mother struggled mightily just to keep her daughter clothed, housed and fed. In addition, she insisted that Quintess stay on top of her school work. As a result, Quintess graduated salutatorian from School Without Walls in 2012. School Without Walls is one of the highest performing high schools in the DC public school system.

Not many parents have the strength and determination that Quintess’ mother Pearl has. If they did, we might not need to worry about the school system at all. Quintess’ documentary explores the theory that

Next week, Anaise Aritide will present her take on why there are such large disparities in DC public schools.

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Parents Just Don’t Understand

By Liane Scott, on October 8th, 2011

DCPS student Quintess Bond has produced a digital story that anyone who has a child in school should see. I’ve posted it here along with her introduction below. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gMUou3dZK4

“I am a senior at School Without Walls Senior High in Washington, DC. S.W.W. happens to be recognized as the top public school in the area with a 100% graduation rate, 100% 4-year college acceptance rate, and 100% reading and math proficiency rate amongst it 500+ students. It is among three public high schools in the DC area that has won the National Blue Ribbon title, and is acknowledged as one of the top schools in the Nation.

With that being said, my story tells the experience as I arrive to this school. As I explained, my experience was not always the best because of the pressure I felt from my mom to be perfect, academically. This story is not to bash my mom for being a so-called ‘tiger mom,’ but to show the vital role my mom plays in my success. My parents, from the beginning, set a strong foundation for me in education and have high expectations for my brother and me; I am blessed to have parents that care.

Personally, I see parents’ lack of concern for their children’s education a problem. School Without Walls has strong parental involvement compared to that of other schools in the District. Academically, those schools with higher parental involvement tend to do better. So this is for parents who just don’t understand how much their concern can change their child’s life.”

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