Public Education and the Future

Public education and the future

Comm/215

April 02,2013

The 21st century is often referred to as the "technology age". Over the past decade technology continues to be increasingly important in every aspect of daily life. What are the requirements to ensure that the children of tomorrow are equipped to handle such positions? How do we ensure that the children of today, the adults of tomorrow are given all of the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to secure a top position in a major corporation? That question can be answered in one little phrase "investment in education", yes a solid investment of time, money and unlimited resources in children's education will ensure that tomorrows adults will not be "left behind". Investing in education is a simple solution , but sadly not a solution that politicians and law makers are willing to implement. It is a common belief that the "children are the future", and as result they should have unlimited access to a quality education.

The state of California is burdened by a deficit of over 9 billion dollars. California's governor, Jerry Brown plans to reduce the deficit by drastically reducing the funds allocated to public schools. Governor Brown believes that the state will save an estimated 4.8 billion dollar by reducing spending in the public school system (Azul 2012). This of course would mean fewer teachers, larger classes, fewer technology based classes, not to mention, a very limited curriculum. Without proper funding the schools will not be able to offer a quality education for its students.

The school system in California has been in trouble for several years. Over the past six years school funding was cut by 12 billion dollars. (cbp 2012) . The fallout of the budget cuts are evident in the closing of schools, the dismissal of teachers, larger class size, the lack of available technology i.e. smart boards, and computers, outdated textbooks and lack of resources for children with learning disabilities and or special needs. The lack of funding also denies teachers access to "continuing education" ( refresher courses, and or new technology courses) which means that the teachers will not be able to perform their job at a level suitable to prepare the children for the future. The number of students utilizing the public school system has increased, however the state still found it necessary to decrease the number of teachers by 11 percent (Azul 2012) These changes affect both teachers and students. It is a no win situation for everyone involved.

Does smaller class size help a student learn more? Some will say "no" but many others will say "yes".