Education Reform Needed in Michigan
While I really have been harping on education a lot recently, it just has to be done. We have sat back for far too long and let our education system in Michigan become wayyyyyy too hands off. We need to get technology involved in education and make large overhauls to make our students competitive.
This is speaking from the personal experiences of a high school student and also quoting some of an editorial from Tom Watkins, a former state superintendent with the State of Michigan.
- Eliminate the senior year of high school
Seriously, ask any single senior in high school. There may be some taking one or two AP classes but most seniors are actually in their easiest year! They take classes such as “Personal Power” and “Successful Relationships” which add questionable value to their schedule. Most students take the easiest classes possible simply to get by though the year. While there are some students who will try their hardest this year, many simply do not meet the bar. The state spends over 1 billion dollars on educating people in this grade level alone, why not take some of that money and send it to our wonderful community/general college programs. Give kids a leg up and a step ahead in the right direction.
Another great idea would to be to integrate more technology into our schools. Especially in some schools, we have computer monitors that are pushing ten years. While one may argue for trying to be as frugal as possible, this is just leaving us to the possibility of fire hazards and energy issues. Many stories have been published about the great benefits of iPod’s, laptops and other electronic methods of learning in other states. Why have they not yet come to Michigan? The blame is squarely to blame on the voters themselves. All for the sake of not having to pay the taxes to support a great education. Even if we could levy a small tax of $10 or $20 a household per year, new electronic learning possibilities could open that allow staff costs to be reduced and many children to graduate on an accelerated schedule.
HOLD TEACHERS ACCOUNTABLE
This is going to be a major point of arguing, but it is necessary. Some teachers simply do not belong in their positions, no matter how much retraining or assistance that they get. They need to find a new profession. These include the teachers who show movies, are unable to teach, act like they are God after they receive tenure. Teachers are there to assist students, and many do a great job at it! However, for those who do not, they need to get out and now. Sadly, Michigan educators have not been held to the tough restrictions that they should be. Many have been allowed to skate because of legalities and not wanting to “infringe” upon themselves. There is nothing wrong with protection for those who are being accused, but where is the protection for the children who need the teachers that are great at their jobs?
My thoughts on canada
I have been in Canada here just over 24 hours. Had two buffet meals, wendys and outback steakhouse. People smoke everywhere, taxes are ample and parking is a rIp off. I do not like Canada
Vacation 2009
Well, on Thursday I am off to Canada. We are going to Niagara Falls, and I have Katy Perry stuck in my head. Life is always interesting, and who knows where the path will lead us. The laptop is headed into Dell, big surprise there! Hopefully everything will turn out alright, but who really knows. Au Revoir!
Brighton Area Schools issues….
As a taxpayer and a student I am disgusted by the curriculum selections that Brighotn Area Schools has made. While I, and several other students tried to take a class of high educational value, namely accounting, we were denied a class at the high school. There is a teacher willing to teach it, and over 15 students willing to learn. Instead, Brighton Area Schools has been allowing teachers to teach classes such as Personal Power. In this class, you are allowed to “rejuvenate” for one hour per week. This involves sitting and listening to relaxing music and even closing your eyes if you feel inclined. Other benefits recently mentioned by the teacher for this class included “learn to smile, how to have proper manners,etc”. Are our parents not supposed to instill these values in us? Why should we need a class for these values when serious academic study could be undertaken. I urge you to get rid of the corruption, once and for all!
Lazy Sunday
Just working on a little bit of homework right now. Got tons to do as always, but just don’t feel like doing it!
Vacation
Just got back from vacation to Traverse City and going on another one soon this month. I cannot wait to get more vacation time in! Vacation is so easy! Do you never go on vacation? Maybe you need to do something like that then…
Lazy Saturday
Today I did not really do that much. Went out into the yard and cut up some branches, then had a fire. I threw way too many green leaves on the fire and inhaled some smoke, bad idea! The fire is still smoldering as I am writing this post, 3.5 hours after it was extinguished! Waldo, my golden retriever and I just enjoyed some fetch and now I think it is time to write a few articles and maybe watch a movie. Who knows!