What I Wish Corporate Money Would Pay For When it Comes to Public Schools

Do you ever think about what the so-called philanthropists could fund instead of all the privatizy, reformy, ideas that are damaging and pricey? Instead of CCSS/PARCC, DIBELS, teacher meddling, TNTP, TFA, NLNS,NCLB, and RTTT etc. etc. What ideas do you have for Mr. and Mrs. Corporation to really help America fund a great public school system? Here’s my wish list. It’s in no special order. Anyone reading this is welcome to add to it. I may think of something I forgot and add to it as well, so check back once in a while!  

·         Lower class sizes, especially in K-3^rd grade. We know this is important.

·         This goes along with number 1. Hire instructional designers to devise class schedules that maximize the best use of a student’s time in school. Some classes might not be quite so small if they are managed well, with enough teachers and staff, to monitor the students. I’m thinking about California where they lowered class size across the board in all classes. P.E. didn’t have enough students for relay classes.

·         With lowered classes—an individualized educational plan for every student. This is REAL accountability for parents.

·         Testing results—tests that teachers choose and use to obtain information about the student—the information should be personal and involve useable information for parents, students and teachers.

·         Help create or improve, if necessary, top-notch Colleges of Education.

·         Fund the creative ideas of teachers. I’ve always believed it would be nice for teachers to be encouraged to write grants to get those extra special projects funded. I think this would encourage and inspire teachers and provide a huge boost in morale. And I don’t mean their ideas should have to be related to scripted programs. This should go above and beyond adequately funded classrooms—resources and materials.

·         The above (6) could include teachers carrying on research about teaching practices and ideas they have about student learning.

·         Fix the many substandard school facilities in this country, and build more new state-of-the-art schools that generate student pride and pride in the community.

·         Develop state-of-the-art alternative schools.

·         Create a variety of magnet schools for those students especially interested in certain areas of study.

·         Help create jobs with living wages for parents in the community.

·         Help clean up rundown neighborhoods.

·         Fund the arts in school. Flood the schools with opportunities for students in music, drawing, painting, theater, and dance.    

·         Provide adult education in the schools during certain evenings when the school buildings are not in use. This would have the added benefit of the community seeing the displayed art work etc. of the students.

·         Ensure everyone, especially young children, have access to good health care. This includes dental care and lead testing.

·         Provide healthier, “tastier” school lunch programs. No student should go hungry.

·         Generate more research, involving teachers, in regard to special education.

·         Create essential special education programming for every child with disabilities.

·         Support more research to study Autism and learning disabilities etc.

·         Provide top notch programs, along with follow-up, for students who display emotional/behavioral problems.

·         Provide adequate attention and class provisions for gifted and talented students.

·         Make sure every school has an outstanding library and credentialed librarians.

·         Provide up-dated media centers with an adequate number of computers.

·         Make sure teachers have the opportunity to receive professional development that is meaningful and not a waste of the teacher’s time.

·         Provide adequate support staff and services including mental health for students and staff.

·         Ensure safe transportation for students to and from school.

·         Keep schools clean so they don’t cost more money due to deterioration and because it is important to students and teachers.

·         Include adequate health insurance and a good pension plan for teachers and staff.

·         Ensure that every teacher has a well-designed, functional classroom with as few distractions as possible.

·         Recess and adequate breaks for all students and lunch periods where students aren’t hurried.