By Kristin

The Obama Administration is looking to give grant money to states that show commitment to early education.  I hope Congress passes this piece of legislation, because the gap between kids who are ready for kindergarten or not ready for kindergarten continues to widen over the years.  By the time I see them, the four-year old who doesn't know his ABCs has often become a 15-year old who has no confidence, no academic curiosity, and no faith in the system.  Everything that can be done for a child's academic life before kindergarten is worth more than anything that is done after.

By Tom

I once had a principal who came into our school as a self-proclaimed "listener." She wanted rich conversations, with everyone participating in the decision-making process.

But she really didn't.

By Tom

I once had a principal who came into our school as a self-proclaimed "listener." She wanted rich conversations, with everyone participating in the decision-making process.

But she really didn't.

By Tracey

Since Travis used only one, can I have his remaining four?  Because I can think of at least nine things I would do to improve education if money wasn’t an issue.  I realize that’s a little unfair.  Maybe it’s a perk to being the last blogger to post to this meme?  The teacher in me can’t stand by and watch four perfectly good, fully-funded ways to improve education go to waste.  But, I’ll play fair.  I’ll follow the rules and attempt to squeeze in all that I can with some broad categories.  The 5 ways I’d improve education is by opening the school to serve the community, team teaching with smaller class sizes, authentic and meaningful learning through field experiences and community connections, an educator attitude check, and learning 21st century skills.  

by Travis

Hmmm, five ways I would improve our education system if money were not an issue? I like that. It is a timely topic, often discussed. However, I only need one way. It's a big one. One with huge, sweeping results. But the good news--this one item will not require more money, per se. This one item is something we already have. This one item is nothing that we have not already known for decades. Bonus, improvements will be made quickly and with continued success regardless of levies or measures, politics or procedures. Is it too good to be true? No. It is a reality we already possess.

If money were no object and if I were Queen of Education, here is what I would do.

By Nancy

 It can be easier to start from scratch, rather than change established systems. But if money was no object, and systemic obstacles were not a problem, here are five ways we could improve US education: staffing, facilities, schedule, setting standards, and teacher training.

By Rena

If our State would win the BIG lottery and limitless money was available to public education here is what I would suggest. Instructional Leaders, Para Educator Training, Field Trips, Technology and Financial Support for Board Certification.

By Kristin

1) Educate the parents.  Children with educated parents do better in school.  Provide adult-education classes, for free, that help uneducated parents earn their GED, AA, or a BA.  While they're in class in the evening or on the weekend, provide childcare.  That childcare can include the arts, tutoring, or athletic activities to enrich the lives of children and support their own success in school.

By Luann

What would make your classroom a better place for students?  I know what I'd like in mine. Some things cost money; some save money; some are suggestions for legislators, some for administrators. Some make money. Some might even interest teachers.

by Brian

1.  I would provide tuition waivers for all public school education employees for any class taken at a state community college, college, or university.  One of our goals should be to instill a love of life-long learning in our students, and we can best accomplish this by example.  In addition, the requirement to earn 15 credits or 150 clock hours every 5 years to maintain our certificate is an unfunded mandate that puts an disproportionate burden on young teachers, whose salaries are the lowest.

Tom's Five:

1. Lower class sizes. If there's one way in which teaching is different than most other professions it's this: We work with a lot of other people simultaneously. Doctors, lawyers, accountants and others are also very busy people, but for the most part they only work with one client at a time. Most teachers work with 20 to 30 (or more) students at the same time. I will work just as hard with the 27 students in my classroom as I would with the sixteen that I wish I had. I will get up just as early, work just as late and be just as tired when I go to bed. Doesn't matter to me. But 1/27 of my time and energy is a much smaller fraction than 1/16.

By Mark

 

My family growing up used to joke that we were so accustomed to living with few excesses that if the numbers came out right, we'd be the only lotto winners in history to use the money to buy a nicer trailer instead of a mansion.

 

That memory came to mind, for some reason, when the SFS bloggers were asked to write about what they would do to fix education if money was not an issue. We're used to operating within humble means in the public schools, so I figure that the changes would be small but meaningful. If public education were not bound by dollars or entrenched paradigms, we could fix the system by simply following through on our promises.

It's August, which means Stories from School: Practice meets Policy is returning! Travis, Tom and Kim are back, along with a great group of new blogger colleagues. Readers can get a sneak preview by reading their bios now, located in the left hand column of this page. Then get ready. Each blogger is set to ready to connect practice and policy with a bold first post, "Five Ways I Would Change Education if Money Was Not An Issue." You'll be surprised about the ways in which they'd transform education funding. Stay tuned!