Bridgeport -Decision to Wear Uniforms

Recently the decision was made for all students in the Bridgeport School District to wear uniforms beginning the upcoming school year 2009-2010.One year ago my third grade students wrote a persuasive letter to the Superintendent of schools stating why students should wear uniforms.Their reasons included the following: The parents will be able to save more money for their kids' college education, Students' grades will improve because they will focus more on school work if everyone is in uniform, Students will be less likely to experience name calling,or being at risk of losing name brand clothes.It will be interesting to see what happens in the up-coming school year.

Taking Prayer out of Schools

In some of our public schools in America, students' moral standard rank very low. Many students are very disrespectful. Teachers spend a lot of "quality time, time for delivering instruction, to manage, or monitor classroom behavior.Coming from a system where in public schools we begin the day with prayer, I find it difficult at times to begin my day without the students assembling for worship.I believe students' moral behavior would be different, and the accademic performance would increase. Prayer holds things and people together.

Differentiated Instructions

In our school district, and maybe many other school districts, focus is on "differentiated instruction." I believe students have different modes of learning, and perform at different levels, hence, different strategies should be used to maximize their potential. Students should not only be taught, based on their ability, but they should be tested based on their ability. What about those students who do not have IEPs , are given differentiated instruction during the school year, but have to take the regular state tests? This is a problem, and I think it needs to be addressed locally as well as at the state level.

Parental Involvement can positively influence children's achievement

I think all students are able to succeed if more parents would accept the responsibility of acknowledging their effort, telling them that they can succeed, and facilitating their success,by providing the affordable tools to necessitate success.In 2002, I read Ben Carson's book. "Think Big." On Saturday, February 7, 2009, I had the privilege of viewing the movie "THINK BIG." I am hoping that many parents watched this movie with their children, and that the children will be empowered to work hard/ harder.I also hope that many parents will think about, priorities, and encourage their children to see education asa number one priority.