Education

By Rubin Jamison Skipper

The Federal Government, State and Local government all has a high expectation when it comes to talking about education. The action they take tells a different story.

First as a parent it is my responsibility to be a part of my child's education. During the school year of 2003 I volunteered at my daughter's school some 50 plus hours. I participated in classroom assignments as well as assissting the librarians. Although my daughter had an excellent teacher, it was impossible for her to fully extend her teaching capabilities due to having a over-sized classroom and lack of adequate teaching material. We put such a great demand for high test scores, language improvements and then we tie the teachers hands and expect results. Schools must be provided with the tools to educate our youth of tomorrow.

It is impolitic to establish a system that is clearly preordain for failure. We are in one of the greatest states in the country. It is time California step up and become an example of how education in this country is top priority.

Most leaders believe education cannot be inspired by local city government, that it is a Federal problem. I tell you local city government must stand up and demand from the state in it's loudest voice" we need immediate funding to pay our teachers their true value, to reduce classroom sizes now, to provide necessary material to teach our youth now!"

As a voice for the people, the City Council has the power to ratify these changes. We have a governor now who says he is a man of action, who supports education. I will fight to institute these educational changes now.