When Will Ohio Fix Public Education?

I can no longer remain silent in my need to address the severe, poorly researched attacks on public education and our teachers by right wing politicians and media sources who do not have a clue as to what is required to teach our children and adolescents. 

My daughter-in-law is a hearing impaired teacher at Alexander Graham Bell Elementary School in the inner-city of Cleveland.  I have had the privilege of visiting her classroom.  Some of her students are totally deaf, some at various levels of hearing impairment, and some mildly impaired.  Along with various levels of cognitive ability, some require signing, some lip reading and some can hear measured distinct speaking. 

Then, of course, comes the teacher’s responsibility to teach the 3 R’s at whatever levels possible.  I am vociferously told that our President’s No Child Left Behind program and its ridiculous unrealistic requirements is as far from reality as a program could be. 

As to teacher’s salaries and their considerable unpaid work hours, I have found one thing in common with teachers at all levels of public education.  They spend an average of 10-12 hours per week away from the classroom grading papers, preparing lesson plans, seeking grants, planning and conducting field trips and attending classes to renew certification to name but a few. 

And when it comes to inner-city schools where money has run out, would you believe teachers purchase writing paper, craft paint, cleaning supplies, soap and yes, toilet paper? 

My fervent prayer is that in November 2006 we will elect a Democratic governor and Democratic legislators willing to bring our public school system under constitutional law and fully fund public education in much the same manner as our other state mandated entities.