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Show Schools, teachers need support as education improves Public education plays a major role in modern American society. No longer do parents simply rely on the school system to teach children to read, write and handle math problems. Schools are now expected to teach children civic pride and responsibility. Schools are expected to teach the basic skills that will make a foundation for employment. And the role is expanding as our society begins to understand the requirements that our growing technology will place on tomorrow's graduates. Within the next few years, Alpine School District graduates will have to have demonstrated a basic knowledge of the computer. They will also have to learn more math, science and foreign languages in order to bring home a diploma and to get into college. By upgrading graduation requirements, the school district is making sure local students are better able to meet the demands society will place on them, to find suitable employment and to continue their education in reputable colleges and universities. The school district's increased requirements are part of a nation-wide trend aimed at improving American education - a trend that owes a great deal to U.S. Secretary of Education T.H. Bell and his department's landmark evaluation of U.S. education called "A Nation at Risk." During National Education Week, we applaud Dr. Bell for his contribution to the public school system even as he steps down from his national post to return to the classroom. We applaud the Alpine School District for it's current emphasis on improved and expanded academic performance. per-formance. And we applaud the educators of our children for their committment to their students and our country's future. This is a good time for us to take a good look at our schools, and give public support to public education to help it move forward to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. |
