Now that the effects of the federal stimulus on education funding are becoming clearer, it is time for a 2010 education budget update. If you will recall, the State has projected a budget deficit for 2010 of approximately $3.2 billion. The solution to this deficit will not come from cuts alone, federal stimulus alone, revenue enhancements alone, from borrowing alone or from program shifts alone. Although not popular to say, the solution will most likely include some combination of three or four of these ideas.
Two things that are fairly well accepted by most legislators is that the federal stimulus money for education will keep the 2010 cuts from being as catastrophic as originally presented. Secondly, given the size of the deficit, all programs and agencies in Arizona will have to contribute something toward its solution. This includes education. Where there is tremendous debate is with the size of the cuts.
In recent conversations among appropriation leaders (chairs, vice-chairs and certain members), the desire to provide flexibility to school districts when making cuts has arisen as a top priority. In addition, these conversations seem to indicate that all options are still on the table; however, it is very difficult to see how the Governor's desire to send a tax increase to the ballot could garner sufficient votes to pass (let alone be passed by the voters). However, politics being what they are, never count the idea out until session is over.
The best way to provide flexibility to school districts is to not eliminate specific programs such as All-day K, but rather to provide for an across the board cut. This way the pain is more equitable and local schools and districts can decide for themselves which programs to keep and which to cut. So as not to be misunderstood, there may still be smaller programs that get cut such as the Early Learner program that pays for kindergarten twice; however, the majority of any cuts will be offered as a lump sum reduction.
If you consider that a 1% reduction in K-12 funding is approximately $50 million, then the size of new cuts to K-12 education being debated for 2010 is somewhere between 4% and 7%. Keep in mind that certain cuts to education do not come from the State Legislature such as reductions in sales tax collected (prop 301), gaming revenue (prop 202) or the effects of declining enrollment.
And finally, several people are asking about the April 15 deadline to notify teachers about next year's contracts. An agreement is being negotiated among the Senate, House and Governor's office that would suspend this requirement for this year only, or push the date back 30-60 days. More updates will be posted as information becomes available.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Helicopter Parents
One day my daughter came home from school and informed me that one of her teachers had said I was turning into a "helicopter parent". Because I had a great relationship with the teacher I knew he was kidding, but not totally. As I learned from my time on the Mesa School Board, helicopter parents hover over their children always making sure they do their best. Sometimes they can get a little out of hand (like one particular cheerleader mom I know) but for the most part helicopter parents are constantly looking out for what's best for their children. Their kids are usually high achievers, talented, athletic and/or motivated.
High school helicopter parents are actually the most intense. About half way through my school board term, I started keeping track of lessons learned from them to use on my own seven children. Here they are in no particular order.
Helicopter parents:
Check up on their kids. Today's schools have systems in place to allow parents to check attendance, grades, behavior, etc. Sometimes this is on-line, via phone call or in a teacher conference. Warning signs of possible trouble ahead typically show up first in one of these areas. With today's tools, finding out your kids math scores or whether they went to class is as easy as looking up your checking account balance. Check with your child's school for options.
Don't just look at their neighborhood school. Arizona's open enrollment laws are some of the best in the country. Maybe your neighborhood school, within walking distance, is the best for your child; maybe not? Helicopter parents typically look at other schools within the district, or charter schools, or private schools, etc. to find the best fit for their child. Of course, several factors must be considered but it is nice to have options.
Have their child take a course on-line. After high school, almost all colleges and universities require/offer courses on-line. In addition, taking on-line courses in high school offers flexibility and variety. Parents who want their kids to graduate early, make up credits, take college courses, or have more room for electives will often have their students take courses on-line.
Take advantage of standardized tests such as the ACT, SAT, or PSAT. There is no downside to taking a national standardized test on a Saturday morning. If you "fail" the ACT exam, it has no impact on your high school grades or graduation. However, if you take one of the standardized tests, and do well, look at the potential rewards; college credit, scholarships, awards, etc. Also, If you take an AP or IB class, be sure to take the corresponding exam. It could pay large dividends.
Make the most of senior year. So many students can't wait until their senior year to go a half day. Families need to decide if this is the best use of their child's time. If a student can complete their freshman year of college while still in high school, thousands of dollars in tuition can be saved. Alternatively, there are several Career and Technical Education courses that can be taken senior year that lead quickly toward certification and good paying jobs.
Talk post high school very early. Nowadays, no matter who you are, the chances of only a high school diploma leading you to a career that can comfortably support a family of four is almost non-existent. Helicopter parents talk early with their kids about the necessity for education and training after high school and plan accordingly. There are so many options; college, trade school, military, apprenticeships, etc. or any combination of the following.
High school helicopter parents are actually the most intense. About half way through my school board term, I started keeping track of lessons learned from them to use on my own seven children. Here they are in no particular order.
Helicopter parents:
Check up on their kids. Today's schools have systems in place to allow parents to check attendance, grades, behavior, etc. Sometimes this is on-line, via phone call or in a teacher conference. Warning signs of possible trouble ahead typically show up first in one of these areas. With today's tools, finding out your kids math scores or whether they went to class is as easy as looking up your checking account balance. Check with your child's school for options.
Don't just look at their neighborhood school. Arizona's open enrollment laws are some of the best in the country. Maybe your neighborhood school, within walking distance, is the best for your child; maybe not? Helicopter parents typically look at other schools within the district, or charter schools, or private schools, etc. to find the best fit for their child. Of course, several factors must be considered but it is nice to have options.
Have their child take a course on-line. After high school, almost all colleges and universities require/offer courses on-line. In addition, taking on-line courses in high school offers flexibility and variety. Parents who want their kids to graduate early, make up credits, take college courses, or have more room for electives will often have their students take courses on-line.
Take advantage of standardized tests such as the ACT, SAT, or PSAT. There is no downside to taking a national standardized test on a Saturday morning. If you "fail" the ACT exam, it has no impact on your high school grades or graduation. However, if you take one of the standardized tests, and do well, look at the potential rewards; college credit, scholarships, awards, etc. Also, If you take an AP or IB class, be sure to take the corresponding exam. It could pay large dividends.
Make the most of senior year. So many students can't wait until their senior year to go a half day. Families need to decide if this is the best use of their child's time. If a student can complete their freshman year of college while still in high school, thousands of dollars in tuition can be saved. Alternatively, there are several Career and Technical Education courses that can be taken senior year that lead quickly toward certification and good paying jobs.
Talk post high school very early. Nowadays, no matter who you are, the chances of only a high school diploma leading you to a career that can comfortably support a family of four is almost non-existent. Helicopter parents talk early with their kids about the necessity for education and training after high school and plan accordingly. There are so many options; college, trade school, military, apprenticeships, etc. or any combination of the following.
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