Education Reform

Okay people. If you feel that there needs to be a change in the American public education system, let me hear an "AMEN!" If you feel that education in California is in a downward spiral, let me hear an "AMEN!" If you think change is on the horizon for public education, let me hear an "AMEN!" (silence....) Hmmmm, why not?? The founding fathers of the United States felt so strongly about the education of Americans that it was decided that government would pay/ cover costs so that Americans would be educated and we wouldn't have a bunch of yahoo's running around on horseback. Well, what happened? I have my theories- which we will get to in a bit. Obviously, there is a problem. I am a teacher and I see it up close and personal. For those of you that don't have the opportunity to work with today's youth, volunteer! Go into your local school and volunteer or tutor, read to students, whatever, but get out there so you can take a look at where our kids are at. This is what you will see (on an average). In the elementary schools you will notice that there are more than 25 students in one classroom. [I use the number of 25 as a realistic µ of classroom sizes. The actual average classroom size for the U.S. is 15.8:1... um, ya.] Funds have been cut so drastically to education (FOR YEARS) that we don't have the resources to give our students a "free and appropriate education." Are we doing the best with what we have? Yes. Are teachers getting burnt out after teaching for only a few years? Yes. Are students leaving our educational system reading a grade level and knowing their multiplication table? No. You know, I sit here with my Grandfather. He asks me to look up Eli Manning, to see if he is still the QT for the Giants. He is. But something else catches my eye. Eli Manning's contract for a 6-year extension is pending. His asking amount is $97 million. $97 MILLION people! Does anyone else see anything wrong with this number? Okay, I have to go walk my Grandpa, BRB... Tick...Tock...Tick...Tock... Okay, I'm back! Anyways, my point is that there is a real problem with the priority of education in California, let alone, the U.S. Please- research education in other states and other countries. Compare. Government passed legislation to send millions into education (Williams Act), however, this money isn't available. So no money. No resourcs. There is a high expectation of our youth, as there should be. However, we don't have the resources to get these kids up to that level. It's sad. Go to the website that I cited below and take a look and the statistics given for California education. If enough of us get together and take a stand that we want more for our youth, they will listen. They will have no choice but to listen. And they will act.







Cite: http://www.youthnoise.com/pagertl.php?page_id=6276

In tribute to the Green Revolution

This is my first blog. How liberating. (said in a completely monotone voice with sarcastic undertones) So, let's get down to it. I decided to start my blog out with a green background to pay homage to the Green Revolution. Yes, I know that "going green" is a fad right now, however, who cares? It's good for the environment! Some things that I have done in my efforts to be a better person and contribute have been to recycle all of my diet coke cans and bottles (which is about a 24-pack a day), purchase bags to go shopping with (but the still take about 50 plastic bags for my kitty litter), and I try to purchase recycled products (office supplies, etc.). It's a start. I urge everyone to, if you haven't already, start taking better care of our Earth. It's the one thing that every American can say that they share. OOOOOhhhhhhhh, snap.