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The Call For A Specialized School Volunteer Pool
As a follow up to an editorial written on fixing our schools, it needs to be emphasized that the appeal for a comprehensive public school foundation is a long-term funding suggestion. Better funding of our school system is needed to enhance teacher retention. The departure of good teachers has the potential to negatively impact tests scores and morale within the system.
An educational foundation would be great for the system but more immediate help may rest in organizing a pool of people throughout each community who have mathematics, language arts, journalism, science or similar related training or skills. People listed in the pool should have a thorough background check due to the increase in sexual and physical abuse of young people.
In a work oriented society it is difficult for many people to commit as long-term school volunteers. Numbers created by a pool of qualified people would eradicate some of the reluctance to serve as a volunteer. A large pool of caring, qualified people would create a sense of community and togetherness and it would allow flexibility in rotating volunteers so no volunteer would be over extended.
There are talented people in the community such as former teachers and a host of professionals and other qualified citizens who are gifted in certain subject areas who are willing to assist if called on. . These people need to be identified and placed in a special data bank separate from the standard volunteer list.
Some students in the system need individualized attention to excel. I am sure that many churches and other organizations would welcome the assistance of people who have specialized training or skills. Students within an assembly may need help beyond the expertise of those within an organization.
When all is said and done it is going to take a join effort among parents, schools and concerned citizens to make a difference in the educational performance of our children. Parents need to remember that they are the first educators in the lives of their children. They need to take an active role in encouraging their children to respect school personnel and rules. No positive education will take place if there is no respect for the system. Parents working with concerned citizens and supportive caring teachers are essential to the academic performance of students.
We end by saying congratulations to all of the schools, teachers and students who met expectations, great job, keep up the good work but as a nation lets find ways to help those who failed to meet expectations.
The Reverend Micheal J. Darby