It seems like nearly every day, on the local news, they report another school district either facing possible bankruptcy, million dollars deficits, cutting back on teachers, and closing schools. I suppose some of this is due to couples reducing the number of children they produce, which means lower attendance, the need for combined classes, and thereby requiring fewer teachers.
Around our local area it seems like nearly every district is having some kind of issues, even a major university. I recall one district saying it hoped to help out its fiscal problems by asking for assistance from alumnae and the district's families. Sure, I know there are those who can afford to help out, but what about all of the ones who can't, and struggle to see to their own family's needs?
And I know from past experience, people get tired of being hit up to purchase candles, candy bars, magazines, etc. Because for one thing, the prices for what you get, are actually quite ridiculous. I don't use candles, never subscribe to, or read, magazines, and try to abstain from eating too much candy and sweets. It seems to me like there should be a more productive way to raise money. I don't really know what entices people to donate, but there must be something that would make more sense.
From what I've seen, things have really changed from aeons ago when I went to school. The district provided paper tablets, lead pencils, and other things we used every day. But in this day and age, since everything is more high tech, families are expected to provide a crazy amount of "school supplies" to start the school year. I no longer have a child in school, so I'm not sure what that list entails. Myself, I don't quite understand how using a calculator, or one of these new-fangled gadgets that basically do the work for them, helps educate kids. Sure, know how to use them. But how do you learn, and remember how to do things, if you don't actually use your brain to figure them out?
It seems like I've even heard where they are going to do away with handwriting classes..? Huh? Doesn't everyone need to know how to write? Maybe not long hand written letters, or papers, but at least how to write a simple sentence, or sign your name, occasionally? Sometimes I wonder if all this new "stuff" is wise, and may not contribute to our students leaving school unprepared for real life, and the work force? I don't know, since I am unaware of what all goes on inside schools any more.
But I have young nieces, and a grandchild, and do wonder if the generations to come will have the proper education to run their lives and be productive members of society. One can only hope their parents, and their own undertakings will make them strong, resilient, and capable of doing what they have to do to survive, and prosper.
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