Reply #33: Better Education is Not A Mistake

[AC_Mem]

Our public education system is currently in bad shape and it should be a PRIORITY to do what it takes to get our kids, who are our future, a better education if we want to be able to compete with other countries who are currently kicking our butts.

People are quick to jump and blame - school hasn't even started in many states and the money is still coming in. We are rolling out massive change in education and it will HELP OUR CHILDREN. I don't personally believe that there is some mass conspiracy to both give our children better education and take away their school library, but I will contact my congressman for clarification.

Education is on the President's agenda for change and upgrade. We are going through some of the growing pains here in Tennessee where school has been in session for two weeks. My 2 elementary school children are in a brand new optional city school that was fortunate enough to be one of the new "change" schools. The kids LOVE it. They are teaching in a completely different way and the theme of all study and behavior surrounds environmental science and community service. It's tough - parental involvement is going to be critical for this to be successful and its a new way of learning for my little grandchildren, who live with me. But they love it! It is motivating, it is individualized and more feelings oriented. The teachers are excited and engaged, which is refreshing.

In past years, my little ones were literally numbers on a board. This year they are treated with respect and as little people, who have a classroom where they make goals, dreams, and form community. They are learning about the earth, ALLOT of math, and science where they are learning about our planet. They are also offering after school childcare where they have homework tutoring, yoga and Taekwondo for a VERY affordable price. And lastly - all children receive a free balanced, healthy breakfast and snack - ALL OF THEM.

I have to say, I'm very , very impressed. And this is Memphis TN, where we have had some of the worst schools you can imagine. If you want to be part of this change, join the PTA and be a voice and force to facilitate an upgrade to our children's education. We need to be more than a blog post, we need to BE THE CHANGE.