[Winona Online Democracy]
From: Craig Brooks <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> I also agree that our Country needs to find ways to equalize access to
> quality education. Funding by way of the local Property Tax does not
> do that. The poorer district all over the Country deal with terrible
> conditions in buildings and supplies and books, etc. Down the road in
> a well off suburb you will always see beautiful buildings with all the
> extras you can imagine. That is not equality. That is perpetuating
> inequality.
Looking forward, there is a *prediction by the Rand Corporation that during
the next decade, there will be a profound turn-over of teachers due to
normal attrition (Rand says about two-million) with the demand for
replacements further exacerbated by rising enrollments. Consider that the
new instructors who will likely fill the deficit are currently our Junior
and High School students. Aren't most teachers moved to pursue their career
as young students? Long term planning must include the involvement of those
prospective instructor now. Right now. Ten years is not a great lead time
considering the dynamics. If local students can become involved (a cynic
might say indoctrinated or sensitized), then might we have better prospects
of a unified effort when we need it? It takes time for information to
commingle with the population. Beginning now is a good idea.
* Source: Staffing At-Risk School Districts in Texas : Problems and
Prospects by the Rand Corporation - 1999
(While this study necessarily focuses upon an outstate exception, some
broader implications must be considered. The teacher supply trend is
national.
--
John J.Stafford, Winona
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