In order to prepare students for the 21st century, we must make sure they are given an adequate education. Unfortunately, most schools across the country are extremely underfunded, impacting the quality of the school experience. Illinois is one of the lowest ranked states in terms of funding, and as a teacher of this state, I believe parents, teachers, administrators and local officials need to work together to change the current system of funding.
“Illinois ranks 49th out of 50th in the amount of funded the state provides for education. State funding in Illinois covers, on average, less than 30% of the cost of educating a student, far less than the national average of about 50 percent.”
This quote was taken from an insightful website designed to improve public education in Illinois. You can check it out - http://www.aplusillinois.org. This website also points out how Illinois has the 2nd biggest funding gap between wealthy and poor children as well. Leaving underfunded schools with larger class sizes, inadequate supplies, teachers who are unprepared and less student support. These factors have a direct impact on the quality of education as shown by the fact that over 1/3 of the public schools in this state failed to meet federal standards. There are many other horrific statistics included in the site that depict just how grim Illinois’s public school system really is.
Now on to the good news! The funding crisis in Illinois does not have to continue. There are many steps we can take to prevent further failure in poorer neighborhoods. Here are some ways you can help save our students:
Voice the Issue - Contact legislators, governors, and other politicians in Illinois and voice your concerns. Writing letters to editors of local newspapers and magazines is another way to communicate issues.
Educate Others – Community members can not support the cause if they are unaware of it. Before entering the field of education I was completely clueless about school funding in Illinois even after attending K-12 grade here. Talk to parents, organize groups and encourage everyone to get involved before more students fall victim to this unfair system.
Know the Facts – By understanding how the system works, it is easier to find ways to improve it. Learning about funding in other states and countries in the world is a great way to get an idea of successful funding programs.
Elect People who Care – Make sure to support leaders who are against the current funding system in schools. Check 0ut Obama’s site on the issues of education- http://www.barackobama.com/issues/education/
We need to change school funding in the U.S. and give equal opportunities to every child for education.
This issue has been bothering me all week as I prepare for my debate. As a teacher, I considered myself knowledgeable about education funding and the problems it creates. However, the more I read, the more I realized I had only been looking at the tip of the iceberg! Illinois schools are dismal at best when compared to the rest of the nation. You mentioned knowing the facts and educating people as major ways to help solve this problem. I totally agree with that. Like I said, if I was shocked by the state of the schools, an average citizen who isn't in a school all day would be appalled! Real change cannot take place until the public pushes for it!
ReplyDeleteI also agree that I thought I was educated about how schools were funded, being in the educational system, but I know I am not. It is a huge issue that is only every briefly mentioned. People hear the word increase and taxes in the same sentence and they are against it before they even here the rest. This issue has to be exposed
ReplyDeleteIt is unfortunate how unequal education is in Illinois (to be specific). I have seen firsthand, the inequalities of schools in Illinois. I have walked into some buildings with computer labs, clear floors,and freshly painted walls. On the other hand, I walkedv into other schools and it was quite the opposite. Now, aren't both types of schools there to educate children? Why must there be such a difference in the atmosphere?
ReplyDeleteRegardless of the school district, children need to be able to have equal rights to education. We all need to make sure children are not being shortchanged just because they are attending a school in low income neighborhood.
The points you make in your post are right on. We need to elect people who care about education of our children and not just the bottom line. We need to speak up about the injustice of our current education system. I believe that may be one of our biggest faults: we whisper to each other instead talking to those with the power to change policies. If we continue with our current trend, our society will forever have a gap.