As a student teacher in the San Diego School District, I had classes of 31 to 35 in an off-site trailer with one white board and no windows. It was cold in the winter, hot in the fall and spring. Students were distracted by the extreme temperatures and bored by the lack of variety the white board offered. Discipline was an issue. Even with the most creative lesson plans, it was tough to keep all the students engaged, and even more difficult to reach those who struggled or inspire those needing extension. Great lessons I had successfully executed in smaller classes were abandoned due to the difficult dynamics of larger classes.
I share this to point out that inferior facilities, out-of-date teaching resources and large class sizes jeopardize the best curriculum.
Don't let this happen in Blaine County! (And it can). Without the sound infrastructure, current technology and small class sizes the levy will allow us, curriculum will suffer. Students and teachers will be prevented from reaching their full potential as other issues get in their way. In 2010 no one can afford compromised education. In fact, it is urgent it be better than ever.
Education expert Daniel Pink, author of "A Whole New Mind" writes:
"In a world in which more and more average work can be done by a computer, robot or talented foreigner faster, cheaper "and just as well," vanilla doesn't cut it anymore. It's all about what chocolate sauce, whipped cream and cherry you can put on top. So our schools have a doubly hard task now—not just improving reading, writing and arithmetic but entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity."
Inspire our students and our community: Vote yes to the levy on Oct. 29.
Laura Morawitz
Sun Valley
