A Common Sense Conservative Supporting Excellence in Education
Our schools are struggling.
Despite nearly $1 billion in spending, student achievement has declined for years.
Yes, you read that correctly. That’s billion, with a B. We spend nearly $1 billion in our schools every year. At over $19,000 per pupil, our schools are some of the most expensive in the world.
Even so, most students are not succeeding. Imagine a class of 20 students. Statistically, fewer than ten of these students are at grade level in math, and only about ten of them are at grade level in English. Only 1 in 20 10th grade students are proficient in both math and English. The other 19 will have limited opportunities with such limited skills.
Being asked to take on duties that fall far outside of teaching, educators are increasingly frustrated and overwhelmed. Chronic absenteeism is skyrocketing, with 1 out of 5 students missing a great deal of school. Teachers also must respond to an epidemic of mental illness among students.
These kids aren’t statistics. They are our sons and daughters. We must ask the question: Is this the best our schools can do to equip our children for the future?
Effective, healthy, world-class schools are possible.
Imagine a school system with higher standards—a school system in which students were excited to attend and teachers were empowered to do what they do best. Imagine if Frederick County’s public schools collaborated with parents, students, teachers, and the entire community to rally around a mission to make our schools truly world class? Jaime Brennan wants to do that. To find out how, read her policy proposals.
