As thousands of Gilroy students return to school this September
it gives us an opportunity to reflect on public education and
student success.
As thousands of Gilroy students return to school this September it gives us an opportunity to reflect on public education and student success.
Never before have schools faced such academic challenges and serious consequences if standards are not met. Faced with the mandatory California High School Exit Exam for the Class of 2006 and state and federal requirements to better schools, educators are staring at a monstrous task, but a challenge they are willing and glad to accept.
Much progress has been made in Gilroy. Our collective test scores are improving, honors classes have been restored at the high school, a school facility improvement bond has been passed by voters and curriculum has been revamped and set to a districtwide standard.
Piece by piece the puzzle that will yield student success is being put together, and we should acknowledge the hard work by administrators, teachers, school board members and support staff that has this ship headed in the right direction.
Also, while education professionals are responsible for a child’s education while at school, a child’s learning doesn’t begin and end in the classroom. Education starts and ends with the family or guardian responsible for that child.
So, as the new school year begins, become involved in your child’s education. Find the time to sit down, listen and help your child. Be interested in their life, not only during the good times but also during the difficult times.
Set guidelines about time spent playing outdoors, watching television or in front of video games. Make sure schoolwork comes first.
A child, a student, wants direction, and with that, a student can succeed and will succeed.
Now is the time for parents to step up and be the guiding force in their child’s education. In the end, rowing together is what makes public education work.
