Education Group - May 9

A City That Works - May 9
Education Discussion Group at Klein JCC

The Education Group fluctuated between seven and 10 participants, with one man taking part.  All were retirees, with three participants exhibiting expertise in the field of education.  Participants were vocal, opinionated and eagerly embraced the topic.

-- Eddie Battle

What does this goal mean to you?

• Children having better reading.

• High literacy levels.  High literacy rates lowers crime.

• Computer literacy in middle schools.

• Vocational training is important to having better middle schools.  Children, during the middle school years, have raging hormones and poor concentration.  Educate teens in: budgeting, check writing, life skills and job applications.

• Having anti-drug programs start as early as second grade.

• Increase arts and cultural programs.

• In-service training for teachers to address classroom control issues.

• Timely intervention by Dept. of Behavioral Health when the child has drug problems.

• Timely removal of special needs children from the classroom.  Care must be used to identify children with emotional problems that affect behavior from those with medical problems that influence behavior.

• Increased activities for children: clubs, afterschool activities, recreation centers, libraries/

• Safe corridors to and from activities.

• Widely publicize activities.

Performance measures

• Fewer drop-outs.

• More interest in reading, math, science and other academic subjects.

• Fewer behavioral problems.

• Higher teacher retention and less turnover.

• More graduates remain in the city because they have access to good jobs.

• Students able to help their parents with their problems.

• Students becoming role models and tutors.

• More students entering post high school educational programs.

Customer-service standards

• Identify who in the city administration should be called concerning school issues and problems, (not the School Reform Commission).

• Mayor’s Chief Education Officer and Deputy Mayor for Health and Opportunity: Both offices must be publicized and made known to the public, their functions, locations, telephone numbers, etc.

• Publish progress the city has made in making these offices better known to the public.