Educational Insights: Monday September, 15, 2008
Dr. Paula Sissel Superintendent/Elementary Principal
September 15, 2008
Political campaign excitement is brewing
and the great presidential debate continues as the election draws
near. Rural Nebraskans generally may not feel as directly involved
in the political process as residents from more urban, populated
areas. However, the impact of who is elected to represent us is
often more readily felt at the local level.
This year there will be 17 out of 49 new
state legislators seated into office. That means over one third
(nearly 35%) of our lawmakers in NE will be novices in their
positions this session. We must recognize their work is critical to
the future of our rural economy and well being. A unicameral
legislation makes our plight even more challenging. Now more than
ever, rural voices in western NE must be heard. It is highly
possible that to most of us, party affiliation may matter less than
how the candidate prioritizes key issues for rural residents. Our
water, soil, educational quality, and way of life are held in their
hands.
On a federal level, the current No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law has caused considerable burden to our school systems. Fewer than two of ten Americans believe NCLB should continue without significant change (Kappan, Sept. 2008). Naturally, all candidates talk the talk for improving education and maintain it to be a top priority in their campaign speeches. Our duty is to remain as informed and involved as necessary to gauge how they fulfill their promises to support education. Educators do not shun accountability for all students learning, but often recognize lawmakers rarely know how best to increase student achievement for all. You cannot mandate what matters. Positive changes only occur one student and one teacher at a time. State testing will not guarantee increased student learning.
It is tempting to become complacent due to all the rhetoric in this political quagmire. However, we cannot forget the basic premise of a democratic society and our obligation to vote. Inevitably, policy makers will act on behalf of those who elect them. The only influence we have is to make our concerns known at a local level. We must seek opportunities to inform ourselves about all the candidates and what they stand for in this election. Our children depend on us to represent their democratic right to high quality education, clean and ample water supplies, and the ability to live in a place as healthy and safe as Garden County.
It has been said there are three basic kinds of people: those who watch what happens, those who say “What happened?”, and those who make things happen. Which category are you in?
Previous
Podcasts
Educational Insights:
8/18/08
Educational Insights:
8/25/08
Educational Insights:
9/01/08
Educational Insights:
9/08/08
