Teaching Kids to Read

We are all so very happy to see that the First Lady has made reading a renewed priority for our country. The literacy issue is a big one. Kids are being passed year after year and still not able to read in High School. One issue, which is quite evident is the incredible turn over of teachers. There is a 50% attrition rate of teachers in Five years. This is somewhat similar to Corporate America too, but why are the teachers who have studied hard to specifically become teachers calling it quits?

Well, one issue is the pay. Some say that if you count the three months off in summer for non-year-round school programs that they make great money for working only 9 months. Yes indeed this is a rational comment and is duly taken into consideration. Some say well, teachers get off early at 2-3 pm so they make a little less. Ah, but they have to grade papers and project assignments so this is not a worthy debate topic. In fact if you look at the pay rates teachers are underpaid and normally do not get advances in pay without completion of other degrees, such as a masters in teaching.

In interviewing teachers myself at coffee shops, yes teachers need coffee to deal with all those unruly, uncontrollable kids who lack proper parenting with 1.5 parents on average. The parents generally have not disciplined the kids properly, they expect the teachers to baby sit them. I have heard so many horror stories on the road from teachers, each year it gets a little worse in many regards. Almost all the teachers we talked to had taken their own money and used it to buy school supplies. On average and yes I have been taking notes about $1300.00, this seems highly unfair and totally unacceptable.

I propose an immediate account which can be used at various pre-determined stores for supplies for schools, Teacher approved credit cards. They can be spent in online catalogs for schooling, home depot or Lowes for project supplies, Office Depot, Office Max, Staples for suplies. The amount of $2250 per classroom over 20 kids. Fifteen to twenty children $ 1800 and Under 15 kids $1300.00 for such supplies deemed necessary by the teachers.

We are all for no child without progress and we ramp up the no child left behind goal, but some of are upset over the lack of money in the class rooms themselves, that is unacceptable and unforgivable and must not continue. We can buy more supplies for the classroom and teach everyone to read and speak the language, understand basic mathematics and learn proper ethics or we can pay for more police, jails and prisons later. It is our choice, if we fail to make that choice we have simply pre-chosen the latter.

"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs

---

A Chance for a Home

"He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds... Read More

Ease Bug Bites with Easy Herbs

Summertime means insect bites and stings. Ouch! Take a leaf... Read More

Teenagers and What Parents Should Do About Them

Chiladult? Whatever you call them, teenagers are a changin' and... Read More

Discipline on My Mind

I look out of the window as I am writing... Read More

A Dangerous Environment

The internet is a dangerous place for your children. Don't... Read More

How to Handle Child Tantrums?

Child tantrums are a way for children to express their... Read More

Tips for the Classroom Teachers with ADHD Students

Thank you for all that you do in the classroom!... Read More

Parenting Skills - Five Ways To Turbo-Boost Your Confidence

The 'phone conversation had nothing at all to do with... Read More

Inattentive ADHD: Just Like Winnie the Pooh

Winnie the Pooh is the classic picture of Inattentive ADHD.... Read More

The Most Powerful Question a Parent Can Ask?

The question I have for you drives right to the... Read More

Send Your Child to College FREE!

College is one of the largest expenses through the course... Read More

The Worlds Greatest Dad

You are in the final round of your favorite game... Read More

Study Skills - How Can YOU Help Your Kids?

Some years ago when touring the Scottish Highlands, a man... Read More

Car Wash Fundraiser Preparation

Are you considering a car wash fundraiser for your group?... Read More

Identifying Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in the Classroom: Eight Things Teachers Should

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the phrase that is... Read More

Hurting from the Outside - In: The Rise of Self-harming

Ask any teacher or adolescent counselor what the most disturbing... Read More

Is Your Behavioural Change Strategy Working?

'How can I start getting my children to help out... Read More

Raising Boys

The last decade has seen heightened interest in and awareness... Read More

Create a Story Book with Your Child

A fun way to build your child's imaginationWriting is still... Read More

How To Teach Children Loyalty and Dependability

Individualism is a common thing in today's modern society. Many... Read More

Family Meetings Are Now On The Agenda

"Not another meeting!"That tends to be the reaction from many... Read More

Help Your Child Do Better in School

1. Create... Read More

Why Modern Moms Are Going Back to the Basics ? The Evolution of the Cloth Diaper

Having a baby is one of the most exciting times... Read More

5 Ways To Help Your Kids Do Math

Uh oh.Your kids arrive home with their school reports and... Read More

Caretaking Parents, Entitled Kids

Demanding children ? children who have entitlement issues ? seem... Read More

Children Need Roots and Wings

"Good parents give their children Roots and Wings." --Jonas SalkThe... Read More

Teaching Your Child To Lift a Car

Yesterday my husband Wade took the day off (that's one... Read More

Marriages May End But Families Are Forever

It was at that time when our marriage was falling... Read More

Is Your Discipline Damaging the Spirit of the Child?

If your parenting methods include abuse of any kind; physical,... Read More

Effective Troubled Teen Programs

Not all parents subscribe to the notion of "tough love,"... Read More

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream, But Not For Ice Cream!

We all scream for ice cream. Or, we don't, at... Read More

Finding Answers to Underachievement

Finding answers to a child's underachievement is often a difficult... Read More

7 Things To Teach Your Kids About Money

Did you know that many people retire broke?It's true. After... Read More