What is most important for teachers, students?

• Prescott

Prescott

Talk about it

PRESCOTT—Recently, the facilities committee made a recommendation to the Prescott School Board for a solution to address the long-term educational needs of the district.

The facilities committee provided a very thorough, strategic approach in developing the report, which includes a recommendation to build a new high school and reallocate grades between the existing three buildings. The details of that recommendation, as well as past planning efforts, are available on the district website, www.prescott.k12.wi.us. This provides a good understanding of the process and research that was involved in this effort.

As with all intelligent and critical discussions, there are also many important questions that have been raised. In past weeks, I addressed a set of questions concerning the sacrifices that have been made to accommodate our students and a set of questions regarding what needs to be upgraded in Prescott. This third set of questions asks, “What is most needed for the effective education of our students?” Specifically:

1. What do teachers say they need to teach more effectively?

What teachers say they need most are the right resources. Their professional training has provided skills and experience to develop creative opportunities and thoughtful lesson plans that comply with standards required by the state.

2. What extra-curricular activities help our students improve scholastically and specifically, how do sports contribute to a child’s education? This is a very important question because in many school districts, these areas are first targeted to save money. Actually, less than three percent of the school budget is spent on all extra-curricular activities. With a heavy emphasis on math, reading and science in the core curriculum standards adopted by the state, the importance of other subject areas--and especially extra-curricular activities--may be overshadowed. It is important to know the benefits of those programs.

3. How can volunteers serve the school best? There are many ways community volunteers can serve their schools. A good way to find out about specific opportunities is to contact the school directly. Often, teachers can use help in the classroom or know of students who could benefit from some outside tutoring or mentoring. Prescott participates in the STEP program, which provides an opportunity for senior citizens or disabled adults to volunteer and received credit toward property taxes. Parent groups are also a great way to get involved--even if you are not a parent. These groups assist the students through volunteering, fundraising and classroom assistance.

For more please read the Jan. 30 print version of the Herald.

Tags: communities, education, prescott