Check out Arizona Education Commitment

Check out Arizona Education Commitment

As a former teacher, and now especially as a mom, I believe strongly that our legislature needs to put a much stronger emphasis on saving education.  Funds going towards our public schools have been cut so drastically that they are having a severe detrimental effect on our schools.  The reaction has been to invest more into private schools and/or charter schools, but there are many problems with having this approach.  These types of schools should exist as alternatives to public schools, and I do believe in parental choice in education, but I do not believe that public schools should suffer significantly in the process.

There is an unfortunate movement (that I used to believe was all conspiracy and exaggerated) to undo the public school system entirely.  As someone who used to sub in the charter school system here in Tucson and has seen firsthand what these schools can do and the lack of standards and accountability they face, this frightens me like nothing else.  For example, I subbed in one elementary school in particular that used to have a normal curriculum the first year I subbed there (science, math, reading, writing, social studies, and extra curricular - such as music, art, and P.E.).  When I subbed there the following year, in order to boost their test scores, they had done away ENTIRELY with any science or social studies - at ALL grade levels (K-5).  They taught two classes of reading, writing, and math each day, with one period for extra curricular (P.E. twice per week, and also music one day, art one day, and one other class that I can't recall).  I was shocked and appalled that these kids were learning absolutely NO science or social studies.  None.  The heavy emphasis on reading, writing, and math was also taking its toll, and by the afternoon, they were bored and restless.  I was so appalled, that I refused to sub at this school ever again.  This is perfectly legal in charter schools.  Teachers also do not need to be highly qualified and/or certified in their subject area to teach in charter schools or private schools.  These schools are not required by law to accept all students.  I could list a million reasons why I do not support the idea of charter and private schools becoming the mainstream in education.  Yes, there are great charter and private schools out there, but there are also a lot of really shady ones (at least charter schools).

I believe strongly in the merits of a strong public edication offered to all children in our state.  I believe this only makes us stronger as a state, as a nation, and as a world.

If you wish to show your support for public schools in the state of Arizona, please visit the link I provided above, then click on the "sign on" tab, and take a moment of your time to sign the commitment to go to our state legislature.  We need to let them know that we DO value education in our state, and that their approach to utterly slashing education in our state is unacceptable and they need to find another way to balance our budget.  We need to make our voices heard, and they also need to do their job as outlined in the Arizona Constitution to protect education for our children.

Thank you for allowing me to take a moment to blog about something that is very near and dear to me.  Thank you also for taking your time to read this and especially if you take a moment to sign the commitment in the link I provided.

Thank you.