A generation of poorly prepared students? | freep.com | Detroit Free Press

A generation of poorly prepared students? | freep.com | Detroit Free Press

A generation of poorly prepared students?

BY EARL C. RICKMAN III

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Each year, thousands of bright-eyed kindergarteners enter our public schools in Michigan, eager to take on new experiences. It is my job as a school board member to see that their dreams and hopes are nurtured and cultivated and that their spirit for learning does not waver.

This year, I am more concerned than ever about their future.

My fellow board members and others across the nation are now in the final stages of crafting our budgets for 2010-11, and it’s been one of the toughest years I’ve seen in my more than 25 years as a school board member. It’s especially true in Michigan, where we’ve had years of trimming that has left us with no fat and mere bare-bones budgets. This year, any cuts we make will impact classroom instruction and, ultimately, academic achievement.

Over the past two years, about 6,500 teachers in Michigan schools have lost their jobs. This year more jobs are at risk. In a recent survey, 96% of Michigan school officials said they anticipated layoffs or job cuts. Nationally, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan estimates that 300,000 educators could lose their jobs.

Whether we ask our most experienced teachers to retire or let go of some of our young, bright, most enthusiastic teachers, our children will suffer. Their classes will become more crowded, and courses such as advanced placement, art, band, orchestra and vocational training are most likely to be eliminated.

The teachers who remain will have less time for individualized instruction and their own professional development – both of which are central to closing achievement gaps and preparing our students for college and careers. These severe budget cuts come at a time when our economy is demanding more 21st Century skills and a postsecondary education to achieve and sustain a globally competitive workforce and individuals’ quality of life.

Is this how we want to prepare our next generation?