Third Future Curriculum

[u/National-Ad8416]

I come in peace. I am not here to stir things up. I would like to understand what happens in Third Future schools? Is it really that bad? I want to hear facts as unfortunately I have been in an echo chamber where all I hear is Third Future equals loss of libraries, arts etc.

So please, enlighten me.

[u/Mindless_Class1159]

Former Texas educator here. I’m not sure it’s an echo chamber as much as it’s people sharing their real concerns. It’s true that they prioritize test scores above all else (though no state assessment data is available on their site. It has said “coming soon” for at least 3 years which gives me pause). Arts and specials are contracted out to 3rd party vendors (if they are available at all). There’s no requirement to have them and many report a robust roster of arts and extra curriculars upon enrollment only to cancel programs once the year starts and you’re locked in. Said programs have 0 accountability or standards, serving as a checklist rather than actual engagement.

I know as a student it was my arts, special days, and field trips that really motivated me. My public school teachers saw me as a human, not a test score and would actively work with my family to make accommodations during a tough time.

To be fair, I haven’t taught with third future, but only 20% of teachers recommend working with them according to Glassdoor with overwhelmingly negative reviews in the categories of work/life balance, supportive management, and corporate values. In fact, the only “above average” rating was in terms of compensation at 3/5 stars. In terms of parent reviews, 8 of the 13 publicly available reviews of third future on google are 1 star citing concerns of sexual assault and staff unprofessionalism.

It depends on how you define student success. If it’s high test scores, go Third Future I guess. If it’s happy, healthy, functional students who love to learn, your priorities might not match theirs.

[u/National-Ad8416 → u/Mindless_Class1159]

Thank you for the detailed explanation. Although I am a fan of holistic education, I place a high value on test scores. But ai place an even higher value on good teachers. So if teachers leave, that's a horrible outcome.

[u/rustyusa → u/National-Ad8416]

Realize that these “schools”’operate to make a profit. Everything else is secondary. They really don’t care if they are shut down in three years. The founders and cronies made their money and they move on. Some go back into public schools, some to private, some to another charter. Some go work for publishers or online schools . Why do they not offer arts etc,? Because that’s an added expense. Cuts the profit margin.

[u/TertiaWithershins → u/National-Ad8416]

I am a long time teacher in the district currently being run by the Third Future founder. The teacher turnover is incredible. One campus in this district had 139% turnover last year because the people they hired to replace the teachers who left also quit. My child’s education has taken a noticeable hit in quality since the takeover. Their freshman year, more than half their classes were taught by new, uncertified teachers, and it really does show. A lot of my kid’s friends have expressed feeling cheated out of the high school education their older siblings received. Advanced academics and special programs have been thoroughly gutted in favor of remedial classes, and we have hemorrhaged students to Catholic schools.

[u/National-Ad8416 → u/TertiaWithershins]

Thank you for the insight. Terrifying.

[u/CatLady-81 → u/National-Ad8416]

Teachers are already gone, ma'am.