smoke and mirrors

[Laststrawforthisalum]

I want to start off by thanking those who took the time and effort to put together such an impressive argument.

I also want to acknowledge that we all come from a different experience with AA. Over the years I’ve heard the full spectrum of opinions on the school–from “It’s the best school in the country, the teachers are top-notch, and the school turns out the best and brightest grads!” to “It’s an over-priced, over-valued farce, corrupt with nepotism and unfounded arrogance.” Like with most things, the truth (if there is a truth) is probably somewhere in between.

With this in mind, I’ll share my opinions (based on my experience, of course), while acknowledging there are those who feel the opposite, and that’s okay.

Yes, the Academy has many dedicated, talented teachers. It generally attempts to promote a community of open-minded, critical-thinking students. The faculty and administrators have high expectations of students, thus encouraging hard work and persistence. My impression is almost all students who spent many years at the Academy learned to push themselves, and to work long and hard.

However. One thing that has always bothered me is the credit given to faculty (and the school itself) for the success of the students. The students may be some of the best and brightest in the city, but they already had that designation before being admitted to the Academy. I firmly believe these kids would have succeeded in school and in their careers regardless of where they went to middle school, high school, (and GASP) even college.

Sure, maybe AA gave some of them an additional boost because the student shared a special connection with some teachers or their district public school might have had particular problems that could have negatively impacted the student, so AA was probably a better choice.

But in general, the school is amazing because of the STUDENTS, and credit should be given to them for their inherent talent/intelligence and their parents for fostering (from birth) the necessary personal characteristics for future success.

I’m not a teacher, but I find it offensive for the AA community to believe their faculty is superior to that of public schools (generally speaking, of course–there are always exceptions). AA may be able to claim their teachers have more letters after their names, but that absolutely does not make them better teachers. In fact, in many instances, it makes them worse teachers because although they know their subject well, they don’t know how to teach it! Many of us alumni could attest to the numerous science, math and English teachers who could not reach any student who wasn’t a natural at the subject. But they had a PhD in their field, so you know, that makes them qualified to teach at the “best” school in the State.

One other comment about the faculty: The school does appear to suffer from nepotism and cronyism. There are countless instances of faculty moving around from various positions and departments even when he or she is not qualified in all the positions held. If you sent your child to the best private school in the region and paid full tuition, would you want her to have a math teacher who has never even taught math before? This really happens at our beloved school, and we should be ashamed to continue this false narrative of possessing the best teachers around.

Now, regarding this administrative salary business. I am with the many who were shocked at the Head of School and CFO’s salaries. The only reason I have continued to contribute to AA every year since I graduated is to support those children from disadvantaged families and neighborhoods, who would truly benefit from AA as opposed to their district school, but would not be able to afford the tuition without assistance. The fact that Andy Watson would accept this ridiculously high salary (no matter the argument of comparable school compensation), is pathetic.

How dare he accept this salary knowing the school is paying a development director and alumni whatevers to solicit the AA community for piddling donations that pale in comparison to his own salary. I tried to find out how much the school makes from monetary donations, but could not find this info on the website (it used to be part of the annual publication, I believe….what happened to that transparency?) Why would anyone want to make a contribution knowing it’s merely another drop in the top administrators’ wallets?

So I propose:
1. Reduce both the CEO and CFO’s salaries to that of their APS counterparts PLUS reduce them by the cost of the salaries of all fundraising positions at the school. The AA community should discontinue any monetary contributions until this change is in effect.
2. Reform the faculty hiring standards to focus on teaching credentials, experience, and talent, rather than credentials in one’s field.
3. Audit the faculty for nepotism and cronyism, and terminate any faculty not qualified for his or her position.

Again, thank you to those who opened up this absolutely necessary discussion. Change is imperative if we want the school to both survive, and maintain…or rather earn, its reputation.

[Spot On]

As a parent of a current student you are spot on!

Everything you have stated our child has encountered.

I hope someone listens to your voice, it needs to be heard.

[Author]

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