1st Sgt. Alicia Corey's Article on Education
Sioux Empire Young Marines--South Dakota
taken from the Young Marine Talklist
As much of the education systems faults can be put upon
students as they
can be put upon the government. It is up to the student to use their
resources to the farthest extent possible. Many students do not appreciate
the opportunities given to them by their school. They decide to take the
easy classes without the homework. Also, if students showed an interest in
more challenging classes that are not offered at the time, schools would
definitely try to meet that challenge. Some school systems may need more
funding, but still, the funds that are necessary would be more for the
benefit of our educators.
Educators in the South Dakota (my state) school system are
the lowest
paid in the United States. Also, out of the 50 states, we receive the 47th
lowest funding. On a CNN special about education it was said that South
Dakota and North Dakota are the worst states for preparing their students
for
college. Yet, South Dakota students always manage to score amongst the top
five percent in the nation on National Standardized Tests.
I am very glad to see President Bush focusing in on what is
to be seen
the most important issue in the United States right now. There are two
main
points though that he will need to concentrate on. The first is not only
offering teachers higher pay, but also giving teachers at least one planning
or lunch period during the day. If the government would recruit teachers,
their would be less "teacher burnout." The second key point is
making sure
schools have up-to-date technology, not going overboard of course.
As to the answers to your questions: For my AP American
Literature
class,
I write about 3 or 4 essays a week; students simply do not take the time to
think about how their G. U. M.(Grammar, Usage, Mechanics) reflects their
intellect (my mother has driven this into me for years, which I thank her
for); I believe the college class I am taking now is helping me to be able
to
pass almost any college writing exam; I believe I get an excellent
education from my school, not many thanks to the government. Our teachers
are incredible and reflect the best qualities of a leader.
Sincerely and Semper Fi,
1st Sgt. Corey ***
SEYM
Junior at Washington High School
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
PS No spell check used. :-)