We are all so very happy to see that the First Lady has made reading a renewed priority for our country. The literacy issue is a big one. Kids are being passed year after year and still not able to read in High School. One issue, which is quite evident is the incredible turn over of teachers. There is a 50% attrition rate of teachers in Five years. This is somewhat similar to Corporate America too, but why are the teachers who have studied hard to specifically become teachers calling it quits?
Well, one issue is the pay. Some say that if you count the three months off in summer for non-year-round school programs that they make great money for working only 9 months. Yes indeed this is a rational comment and is duly taken into consideration. Some say well, teachers get off early at 2-3 pm so they make a little less. Ah, but they have to grade papers and project assignments so this is not a worthy debate topic. In fact if you look at the pay rates teachers are underpaid and normally do not get advances in pay without completion of other degrees, such as a masters in teaching.
In interviewing teachers myself at coffee shops, yes teachers need coffee to deal with all those unruly, uncontrollable kids who lack proper parenting with 1.5 parents on average. The parents generally have not disciplined the kids properly, they expect the teachers to baby sit them. I have heard so many horror stories on the road from teachers, each year it gets a little worse in many regards. Almost all the teachers we talked to had taken their own money and used it to buy school supplies. On average and yes I have been taking notes about $1300.00, this seems highly unfair and totally unacceptable.
I propose an immediate account which can be used at various pre-determined stores for supplies for schools, Teacher approved credit cards. They can be spent in online catalogs for schooling, home depot or Lowes for project supplies, Office Depot, Office Max, Staples for suplies. The amount of $2250 per classroom over 20 kids. Fifteen to twenty children $ 1800 and Under 15 kids $1300.00 for such supplies deemed necessary by the teachers.
We are all for no child without progress and we ramp up the no child left behind goal, but some of are upset over the lack of money in the class rooms themselves, that is unacceptable and unforgivable and must not continue. We can buy more supplies for the classroom and teach everyone to read and speak the language, understand basic mathematics and learn proper ethics or we can pay for more police, jails and prisons later. It is our choice, if we fail to make that choice we have simply pre-chosen the latter.
"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.worldthinktank.net/wttbbs
monthly home cleaning Buffalo Grove ..Nothing touches the heartstrings of a parent or teacher more... Read More
All of us, including your child, entered this world equipped... Read More
KIDS AND THE NEWSMore than ever, children witness innumerable, sometimes... Read More
Many parents struggle to know which foods are healthy for... Read More
Most day cares are non-profit organizations that must operate within... Read More
What parent hasn't gone into a son's or daughter's room... Read More
A great many parents are concerned that the electronic games... Read More
Are you worried about your child's reading habits? Perhaps you... Read More
"I could have helped you if I would have known,... Read More
"Setting the alarm on Sunday mornings is inhuman?..God should know... Read More
Do you praise your child when he fulfils a basic... Read More
Most parents can hardly wait for their baby to say... Read More
Seven-year old Michael was on a school trip to a... Read More
Ever feel like you're out of the loop when it... Read More
Ah, potty training! Go to a local bookseller and you... Read More
There are many reasons for treating your twins as individuals... Read More
Parents looking for a quick fix usually choose troubled teen... Read More
Here we will come to know who are the most... Read More
An apology is a sign of strength, not weakness. Sometimes... Read More
Vacations are fun ! Weekends with the family are nice.... Read More
Many years ago, my children were raised on the various... Read More
Parents, when you help your children learn to read, you... Read More
"I don't know and I don't care."I've heard those words... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of May 31,... Read More
The school holidays are a great time for the kids,... Read More
scheduled maid service Mundelein ..Jason Meridith's two-year old son whines when he wants more... Read More
Q. How do I overcome the 16-year-old who does things... Read More
"Get down from the table top right now! What are... Read More
Backpack? Check. Notebooks? Check. Ink-pens? Check. Clear Skin? Mommmm!If you... Read More
The time you will need to teach your children the... Read More
WHEN AN INJURY HAPPENS AT CAMP, HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED... Read More
Strattera came out around January of 2003, and is becoming... Read More
An apology is a sign of strength, not weakness. Sometimes... Read More
One of the most important aspects of parenting, is ensuring... Read More
Valentine day has always been a special day in my... Read More
Emotional OverloadMany single parents say they deal with a variety... Read More
We were sitting in the family room. My kids had... Read More
One of the most prevalent myths of our modern culture... Read More
It's the first day of the summer holiday. Five year-old... Read More
Every children in the world whishes to have toys and... Read More
Is your weekly shopping trip with the kids an absolute... Read More
If you're looking for toys that are both fun to... Read More
It is so important to create an environment that promotes... Read More
Dads, please let me encourage you to change some things... Read More
The first year of a child's life is the most... Read More
Dan Rather made a significant and tactical error and got... Read More
During one "generation gap" quarrel with his parents young Michael... Read More
Blink. That's all we did, blink, and summer is ending... Read More
When my daughter was born, I must admit there was... Read More
Are you feeling overwhelmed being a parent? Do you want... Read More
Parenting |