I would cut all the programs that cater to students who don't speak english. This is becoming a HUGE burden on a lot of school districts across America. Next, I would cut Pre-K programs. Public schools did not have Pre-K programs in the 80's and we somehow managed to be okay. Next, if students are within walking distance from the school they should be required to walk to and from school. For years this was the norm. Now, students that live within blocks of the school are riding buses. This might also help with child obesity rates (and maybe some parents who choose to walk their kids to school). I would also get rid of the TAKS test. So much time is wasted simply preparing kids to take these tests. I would pay teachers MORE. You don't get quality teachers by being cheap. The better the teachers the less the state has to spend on summer school and tutoring programs. Lastly, I would encourage parents to be more involved in helping children AT HOME. This goes a long way in helping them succeed in the classroom. (No, I'm not a teacher just a parent with kids in public schools.)
Anonymous User August 26, 2009
at 4:21pm
I would cut all the programs that cater to students who don't speak english. This is becoming a HUGE burden on a lot of school districts across America. Next, I would cut Pre-K programs. Public schools did not have Pre-K programs in the 80's and we somehow managed to be okay. Next, if students are within walking distance from the school they should be required to walk to and from school. For years this was the norm. Now, students that live within blocks of the school are riding buses. This might also help with child obesity rates (and maybe some parents who choose to walk their kids to school). I would also get rid of the TAKS test. So much time is wasted simply preparing kids to take these tests. I would pay teachers MORE. You don't get quality teachers by being cheap. The better the teachers the less the state has to spend on summer school and tutoring programs. Lastly, I would encourage parents to be more involved in helping children AT HOME. This goes a long way in helping them succeed in the classroom. (No, I'm not a teacher just a parent with kids in public schools.)