As a retired teacher, married to a retired teacher and surrounded by teachers in my family, education is the one political issue that I follow fairly closely.
As the election approaches and Kansans prepare to elect members of the Kansas House and Senate, education may be the one issue that separates the candidates.
No matter who is elected, the Kansas Legislature is scheduled to tackle the issue of how to fund education in Kansas beginning in January. As Kansans, we have been asked to contribute to the conversation thru email.
Education is expensive and figuring out a formula to fund it is complicated. Ask yourself how you would answer the following questions and then voice your opinion. Email StudentsFirst@ks.gov before Nov. 30th.
Should all high school students have the chance to become a Kansas State Scholar?
Students across Kansas are recognized as Kansas State Scholars if they take a set of required courses. The list of courses includes two years of the same foreign language and a set list of science courses: biology, chemistry and physics. Thus, high schools need to be able to offer their students the opportunity to take these courses. Because of the differing nature of biological and physical sciences, it is very difficult to find a science teacher that has the background to teach both the biology and the chemistry and physics. This is compounded by the fact that there might not be enough sections to fill a teacher’s schedule or the teacher would have smaller class sizes. Some districts have utilized interactive distance learning technology to help provide these courses — particularly the foreign languages. Thus, there can be an additional expense either due to lower pupil/teacher ratio or to increased cost for the technology or both to provide these opportunities.
Should all high schools offer career and technical education programs?
What used to be called vocational education is now called career and technical education. The choice of what CTE programs to offer is a local decision but may include programs in business, finance, marketing, consumer services, childhood education, computers, design, web design, engineering, health science, GIS, production, cabinetmaking, automotive and agriculture. Typically, each program includes at least three courses: introductory, technical and application. Often times the 3rd year courses (application level) will have smaller class sizes — especially when compared to required courses such as English. Thus, when the pupils/teacher ratio is used, they are considered more expensive. In addition, these programs often require specialized facilities, equipment or software which adds to the cost of offering a program.
Should schools offer programs in the fine arts?
Most schools do offer fine arts. However, quite a few districts cut their teaching staff and thus the offerings in these areas when the financial crunch first hit. Thus, we are limiting the ability for students to experience different areas of the fine arts or for those who enjoy the arts to have the opportunity to develop their potential and excel.
Should schools have technology?
I know there are a lot of people that don’t understand why school districts are working to give each student a device (tablet or laptop). However, I see people all of the time pulling out their phones to look something up. Whether as an adult or as a student information has moved to the Internet. This includes library card catalogs, magazine databases (think Readers Guide to Periodical Literature), encyclopedias and textbooks. Isn’t it our responsibility to teach students how to find accurate information? Yes, some schools do have classes share computer technology. However, that takes time away from instruction to get the students to a device. Providing access to this information is more than the device. Behind each device is some sort of connection — whether wireless or wired — and an Internet account.
Should schools offer extra-curricular programs including athletics?
When discussing school funding, the cost of athletics always comes up. Athletics and other extra-curricular programs offer students the opportunity to develop leadership skills and to learn to work with others. For some students, athletics is what keeps them in school until graduation. Booster clubs, gate receipts and parents already shoulder a portion of the cost of athletic programs. This support would likely increase if districts cut the budgets for athletic programs.
Should students have to ride a bus more than an hour to get to/from school?
If you want small schools to close and consolidate with their neighbors, then you need to be willing to have children — especially younger children — on the bus for more than an hour one way.
Should schools have a full time counselor in the building?
Should schools have access to a school nurse?
Should schools offer all day kindergarten?
Should schools have smaller classes for grades 1-3?
Should schools offer pre-school?
Should every Kansas child have the right to an education?
This is just a few of the questions that have to be answered in regards to school funding — especially where my background is at the high school level and not elementary. There are no easy answers.
Voice your opinion by emailing StudentsFirst@ks.gov before Nov. 30th. You might also send your thoughts to current legislators and those seeking office.