Roanoke City Schools and general area information (Madison: ob-gyn, apartment)

[headnsouth]

The only thing Cave Spring & Hidden Valley have going for them is the quality on paper of their school systems. No diversity, no sidewalks, suburban blandness, little boxes made of ticky-tacky, a Friday-night-lights focus on sports and very little focus on arts.

But besides the fact that many factors play into people's choice where to live, your argument illustrates the fundamental flaw that makes our education "system" the clusterf*kc it is. Property values should have absolutely no bearing on quality of education. Kids born on third base wearing $100 cleats and going to parent-funded baseball camp aren't doing anything to "improve themselves" so they can get to home plate. But a kid in the batter's box with a stick in his hands and no instruction on how to use it is expected to reach the same level of success or be branded a loser. A true meritocracy would have kids start on a level playing field with the same resources. We are doing it wrong.

[Life'sABeach]

Originally Posted by Kreutz

Because their parents contribute less to the system?

Why should the affluent have their kids punished with a crappy education by having the higher dollars they contribute go to the poorer kids schools?

If you want better schools improve yourself to the point you can afford to live in areas with better schools; no one is entitled to a "good education", just a "basic one".

I'll assume you're using the term "yourself" in the general sense and not directed at me personally. I don't think the rich kids should suffer with a lousy education either. Education should be equal for all children, though I know that isn't plausible.

[Kreutz]

Originally Posted by Life'sABeach

I'll assume you're using the term "yourself" in the general sense and not directed at me personally. I don't think the rich kids should suffer with a lousy education either. Education should be equal for all children, though I know that isn't plausible.

Of course its a general sense, I do not know your situation nor really care. But this idea of mandatory equality means why should anyone bother to invest in themselves, their neighborhoods etc when its all going to be the same anyway? The simple truth is public school quality is a (if not the) issue for middle class families seeking a place to live; the better neighborhood will always attract the better people.

[Kreutz]

Originally Posted by headnsouth

A true meritocracy would have kids start on a level playing field with the same resources. We are doing it wrong.

No, thats actually marxism.

A meritocracy is in place; my kids, whom get to go to good schools as the fruits of my labors can blow it all and wind up flipping burgers at 30 while the kid in a crackhead school can improve himself to the point he succeeds very well.

[headnsouth]

Uh, no. Socialism would have your burger-flipping kid earning the same amount and living in the same 'hood as the teacher and the MD and the mayor. There would be no difference between the quality of education, teacher pay, or property taxes between Cave Spring and Fleming.

And a kid benefiting from the success of his parents is the opposite of a meritocracy.

[titaniummd]

Originally Posted by profesora

Thanks for the information. The interview seemed to go well and I hope to come down to the area in person in about 2 weeks to see things more in person, including the schools, to get a better feel for things. I do know from having been on job boards previously that it seems Fleming HS has had turnover of Spanish teachers the last few years, which makes me wonder how stable it may be a bit. As far as housing I am open as long as it's somewhere safe and not an awful commute to work (half hour or less) ideally. Housing preference would be at least a 2 BR/2BA townhouse or house depending on price and location. At least I've seen some things online that are affordable but need more info on the area overall. Thanks again for replying!

Rent first, and see how the job works out. There isn't a lot of turnover for the population. Most places in the city take about 15". From Roanoke county 20-30".

Southwest city and Raleigh court are nice neighborhoods.

Welcome to the area. It's a nice place to live.

[Kreutz]

Originally Posted by headnsouth

Uh, no. Socialism would have your burger-flipping kid earning the same amount and living in the same 'hood as the teacher and the MD and the mayor.

Thats marxism again. Socialism is a system in which the means of production and property is owned by a mix of the state and privately. Thats really all it means.

A meritocracy is a system in which ones rises or falls in society due to their own abilities, or merits. That system is in place now. You may have noticed the child of a single mother on food stamps is President no?

And a kid benefiting from the success of his parents is the opposite of a meritocracy.

How so? I succeed for them, and they prosper. If he who does not succeed can give their kids what mine get via welfare, why should I work so hard?

[Watchful]

Wondering if this thread has REALLY jumped the shark, and I apologize for helping nudge it in that direction. The general discussion of whether public education has any value might find a home on another thread.

The original post had to do with a teacher choosing a place to work, and I still say "HATS OFF" to teachers who choose to work in public schools with an economically challenged constituency. I don't think the world would be a better place if only "teachers who couldn't get a job anywhere else" worked in those schools.

And...yeah...my glasses do have a bit of a rose tint every now and then!

[540_luv]

Id choose William Fleming its very diverse students and cultures taught me a lot before heading out to job world

[profesora]

Originally Posted by headnsouth

I know two people who have worked for Roanoke city schools as Spanish teachers. Both loved/love it although they were/are at middle school level, not high school. One was a native English speaker and one a native Spanish speaker, two very different approaches but both excellent teachers. My own kids went to PH & took Spanish there and learned pretty much nothing. One of my kids took Spanish 3 during the summer at Virginia Western so that he would actually learn something. If you're a good teacher and don't have such a heavy native Spanish accent that people can actually understand what you are saying when you try to teach them, then please come to Roanoke and teach. The students deserve good teachers!

I wouldn't advise buying right away. You don't know what you want yet. With the price range you're looking in, you will have lots of options when you decide on your chosen 'hood. There are few areas in Roanoke that are awful, and most areas are quite nice. Roanoke is a small enough city that no matter which school you're working in, you'll have a short commute even if you live clear across town. So you should decide where to live based on your budget and the quality of life you're looking for (suburban feel, rural, walkable, etc.). So besides the school/job itself, what kind of living environment are you looking for?


Edited to say: Sorry, you didn't say you were a Spanish teacher, someone else talked about that & I made an assumption. So ignore that part but overall the point is the same -- if you are a good teacher, you are welcome here!

You assumed correctly - I am a Spanish teacher; I've taught all levels from I through AP, and I've been told I have a good clear accent by native speakers. Thanks for your reply - I welcome all info right now .