Education is the way we convert dreams to realities

By Karl Singleton

We must create greater opportunities for educational entities to recruit and retain highly qualified teachers who will prepare children for future academic successes. Steps must be taken to explore more innovative ways to enable all children to reach their full potential.

As Dean of Students at Sylvan Heights Science Charter School, Karl Singleton recognizes that we must provide learning opportunities that will enhance future generations throughout the Commonwealth. He believes that all children possess the ability to become intellectual learners, function as good citizens, and develop as potential workers in our and around our communities.

OVERVIEW OF KARL SINGLETON'S DEDICATION TO IMPROVING EDUCATION

QUALITY, AFFORDABLE EARLY EDUCATION

Supports additional funding for child care in order to attract and retain highly qualified Early Childhood Education teachers: Children who attend high quality preschools are better prepared for success in kindergarten than those who do not. Highly qualified teachers make this success possible. Currently almost 75% of preschool teachers do not have a Bachelors degree or higher.

Increase and monitor funding in order to make quality child care available to all eligible children: Supports a budget that provides additional funding to accommodate the more than 85% of eligible children who are not currently in child care.

Examine eligibility guidelines so that more families will have access to funding for quality child care: Child care costs and services continue to increase annually. Eligibility for these important services must be examined to more accurately reflect the needs of additional working families.

Understands the impact of a high quality preschool education: At the very least, a high quality preschool education, should raise the level of educational expectations in an entire community and encourage school districts to reexamine their curricular to accommodate this high achieving preschooler. Children who are excited about learning inspire parents to take a more active role in their child's education. It's never too early for success.

SUPPORTS INNOVATIVE PUBLIC EDUCATION

Recognizes that Children Have Different Learning Styles: Teachers who recognize the importance of identifying learning styles create an environment which enables all children to succeed.

Supports Homogeneous Classrooms: Educational research has shown that students in single-sex classrooms have increased confidence and "feel free to take academic risks." Confidence to take risks academically, and elimination of distractions, can lead to better classroom performance and higher test scores.

Teacher Incentives: Supports financial incentives for teachers and administrators who help raise student grades and test scores and help students achieve Adequate Yearly Progress as assessed by No Child Left Behind legislation.

Promotes Math and Science Based Curriculum: An emphasis on this type of curriculum combines the teaching of both mathematics and science in a way that connects the two disciplines and prepares students to meet the challenges of the 21st Century workforce to be global competitors.

PROMOTES COLLEGE STUDENT INVOLVEMENT IN COMMUNITY SERVICES

Advocates Volunteerism: The overall percent of college students who volunteer has increased. Donating time and talents helps the student while helping others. College students can gain valuable career experience when they volunteer. A 9.7% jobless rate means employers are looking for those with competitive qualifications.

Encourages Students to Come Back and Invest in the Community: Students who volunteer are more likely to participate in tutoring and mentoring youth.

SUMMARY OF FUTURE PLANS

Karl Singleton has dedicated his life to serving our community and improving the quality of education for all generations. However, in consideration of the current state of many of our largest school districts, it is apparent that much more must be done. We must create greater opportunities for child care centers to recruit and retain highly qualified teachers who will prepare children for future academic successes. Steps must be taken to explore more innovative ways to enable all children to reach their full potential. We must also encourage our college students to share their time and talents as volunteers in our community. These steps will enable all students to develop as strong individuals and to reach their full potential.