Week of Feb. 24.
Teachers need their resources
To the editor:
Each year, thousands of minds are inspired and nurtured in the Lawrence Township Public Schools. And our district makes the commitment to ensure our teachers are exposed to a myriad of teaching methods.
Teachers learn the basics while fulfilling certification requirements, but the basics do not necessarily work for every child or for every teacher.
This is why professional development is so critical. Teachers need a "toolbox" of ideas and methodologies so when faced with a struggling student or even when the old methods simply are not working for an entire classroom, they have the knowledge and confidence to try something new.
Some teachers learn a particular technique or theory and use it every day in their classroom. Others may use a combination of resources to enhance learning. They may even use a particular method to reach just one student and another when a lesson needs a twist to really be understood by a class.
I applaud the Lawrence Township school system for providing our teachers such varied and nationally respected tools to use with our students. Let Me Learn and Arts-Infused Literacy are great resources that have been catalysts to help many teachers and children connect so learning experiences can be heightened.
We all do not learn the same way, and all teachers can not teach the same way. We need to keep open minds about different styles and techniques and provide the funding to bring the top-notch programs into our classrooms. Let us support the district in making sure our teachers have the resources they need to match their personal style and reach each and every child.
If anyone sees the need to more closely monitor the spending on these programs, I urge you to go through the well-established channels the Board of Education has in place. There needs to be limits in place so our educators can work to run the school district, not act on every request for any information when an individual deems it necessary.
If anyone sees a need to closely monitor our spending in the area of teacher training. I encourage all concerned to work together for results.
Jennifer Wengler
Laurel Wood Drive
Lawrence
Resident uneasy with scores
To the editor:
The school report cards for Lawrence Township schools left me with an uneasy feeling. At first glance, all seems to be well. However, with further examination, there is much evidence to warrant the need for change.
On Feb. 3, students are described by the writers at The Lawrence Ledger, as "performing well right out of the gates on the latest exam." However, with further examination, there is much evidence to show that our children are not learning at high levels.
In fact, these scores show that many of our students lack the knowledge that is necessary to meet the rigorous standards set forth by the newly No Child Left Behind Act. NCLB has set forth the goal that all students in every group will score 100 percent by the year 2014.
As parents, community members and citizens of a democratic society, we must now raise our own expectations for our children and all students. As a township, we must decide what investments we are going to make to support our children in rising to meet these standards. No longer can we accept minimum standards as adequate. We must expect the best from our educators, administrators and board members. We must look to the future and push our educational community to think in terms of long-term achievement.
In the coming years, our educational success as a community will depend largely on local educational leaders articulating the need for thinking in terms of continuous growth. We must support our students and teachers as they continually rise to meet these standards. As parents and community members we must continue to ask ourselves: "What investments am I willing to make to support students in ‘rising’ to meet academic challenges?"
Kari McGann
Lannigan Drive
Lawrence