District Needs a Math Lesson
This expensive program [Everyday Math] was adopted despite
the district's ever-present budgetary woes. As a student in the district
for 10 years (1974 - '84), I was well-aware of funding issues starting at the
tender age of 7. Despite it all, we managed somehow (and the elementary
math program was adequate). Now that my own children are in elementary
school, I've been bombarded regularly for donations in the form of fundraisers,
cash, and basic classroom supplies (from pencils and crayons to paper towels,
of all things). This past week my kids brought home brochures for yet
another fundraiser, plus requests for cash donations re: "teacher
appreciation week". Good heavens above, I've been donating ALL
YEAR. Not to mention the annual property taxes, local sales tax, etc.
Well, guess what: My family's on a tight budget,
too. I'll support my kids, but that's it. If this district can't
see the light in spending right, namely, if it would rather spend frivolously
on questionable ed. programs rather than classroom necessities, I won't be
making up the difference, any more. It seems the district officials could
use a lesson in mathematical fundamentals that would aid them in both choosing
a sound curriculum and spending wisely.
This brings to mind the instructions given by my elementary
teachers at the beginning of the academic year: These are your supplies
(pencils, crayons, etc.). Make them last. Use them wisely, and use
them well.
Wendy