Education

From what I have heard so far, the class sizes will be increased, even in the lower elementary grades. There may be cuts to extracurricular subjects like art or music. I think what it will mean is more students per teacher and likely less individual attention per student. I know that many of us are waiting to see what will happen and are very concerned. I wonder if things would improve in your situation if you would consider private schools for your children? The only problem with that is the expense...the very best of luck in your situation.

J.

C., I say, No Worries! I teach in North County and have rec'd a "pink slip" for the 2nd year in a row. Things always work themselves out by the time school starts.

There have been many cuts (i.e.GATE classes), but you have to understand that is our economy right now. Cuts are being made everywhere! My advice is to keep your kids where they are (hopefully you can drive them to school since Charter school bussing has been cut) and continue business as usual.

Come fall, I highly encourage you to schedule a parent conference with your children's new teachers. Express your concerns, particularly about your child no longer receiving GATE classes, and ask how you can assist the teacher in offering more individualized instruction.

We are all doing the best we can right now, but from a teacher's perspective, I beg you to support us in working for the best way to deal with a crummy situation (based on the uncontrollable economy) rather than worrying or complaining (as so many parents are right now).

It's great to hear that there are parents who care as much about their children's education as we do! =) From, a dedicated teacher and mother.

If you want to be active and voice your opinion regarding potential cuts to education, please write letters to Sacramento and the board in your school district. Also, please educate yourself about the upcoming election. Much of our budget for next year depends on certain bonds passing. PLEASE VOTE! Our public school cannot successfully survive more cuts. In my district they are proposing larger class sizes in K-3 and minor increases in upper grades. Librarian hours are being cut. This is devastating for our students. Please be active. You can always check the CTA.org site for information regarding issues. Thank you for posting your concerns. I have the same concerns as an educator and parent!

Here is more information about who to contact and links to help...

This link will help you locate the legislator in your area...
http://capwiz.com/nea/ca/home/

This link gives you even more information about other things you can do to voice your opinion...
http://www.standupforschools.org/

The www.cta.org site has a lot of information about the special election in May. It tells you what bonds need to pass to help the school budgets.

There are always people out there who get down on public education. But the reality is that our public schools are pretty amazing. We offer FREE education to EVERYONE! That is the American way. I am proud of our schools. Sure there are things that need to be fixed, but most often teacher's hands are tied by Sacramento and DC. Parents can help voice concerns about our schools. I applaud those who take the time to write letters and make phone calls to our legislatures.

"I want to know who will run our country in 25 years if they cut are education."

::Sigh::
The few kids who "make it despite all odds", and private schooled kids by and large.

I'm beginning to think that public schools just keep continuing to go down and down and down (and are continually LET to go down), because no one quits to go work on the farm anymore...and countries are run off of blue collar workers.

But then again, that may just be me being cynical. And I homeschool, in large part because I already hit my tolerance level with lowering standards.

For some LESS then cynical advice...especially concerning GATE...there's actually a TON of resources on the web. Hoagies, and Gifted Online Conferences http://giftedonlineconferences.ning.com are two of my favorite resource finders.

For science CyberEd.com has been bought out by Plato, but you can still get SOME of their programs (like earth and space sciences...and some of the biology). There are a lot more resources...and many of them can either get added onto transcripts or counts towards either HS or College credits.

If your son's school is getting rid of the gate program (he's the 14 year old?)...I would suggest talking with your local CC...about having him take some classes up there. Break up his school day a bit, and keep things interesting for him.

For your charter...if there isn't money for GATE...you can probably still get/use a lot of the gifted/AP materials and courses that are out there. I know for a family of one, we pay about 60 dollars a month. We write grants, apply for funding, & do "group buys" also...and we don't have the UMPH power of having a school behind us.

Anyhow...homeschoolers are constantly trying to do more with less money. Check out some of the gifted HS resources out there for ideas to translate/ use for your school. There's a LOT out and about.