Pete Thaw and fellow Kanawha County Board of Education members are to be congratulated and applauded for their in-depth thought, research and actions concerning consolidating schools versus maintaining smaller schools in Kanawha County. Hopefully, their actions against this very controversial consolidation issue will resonate throughout West Virginia and result in a better school system for the entire state.
The consolidation of schools in West Virginia that was intensified in the 1980s and 1990s has not proven beneficial to our students or to the overall operations of our schools. Purportedly, consolidation of schools would offer, first and foremost, more educational opportunities for our students while reducing expenses. However, during this decade of consolidation efforts, academic achievements did not elevate; graduation rates did not increase; and expenses did not decrease. In fact, the reverse is true.
Despite the closing of 202 schools during the ’80s and 90s consolidation period, West Virginia had to face the following educational statistics in 2000: Click to read more …
The Fayette County school system has been taken-over by the state, the latest in a series of take-overs that followed the failure of counties to support school consolidation.
“This is an extraordinary circumstance that must be resolved,” said state auditors. The system lost accreditation in 2007.
The State Board of Education voted 8-1 for the measure, with officials saying the system is “weak and thin” and largely inefficient and ineffective.
Thomas Ramey, Jr, executive director of Challenge WV said, “Taking over on the heels of a bond election, which was overwhelmingly against closing schools, is a definite and unfortunate blow to the democratic process.”
“People in communities deserve to be heard and not have their votes disregarded,” he said.
Ramey said recent legislative findings clearly show the connection between closing and consolidating into larger schools has increased dropout rates.
“Hopefully state education officials have learned from their failed wholesale consolidation movement,” said Ramey. Click to read more …
The National Council for Teacher Equality just released a report that gives West Virginia a D+ for policies that impact teacher quality.
West Virginia scored lowest on retaining teachers, and educators say low teacher pay is a cause for concern.
The American Federation of Teachers ranks West Virginia 16th in the nation in spending per student, but 47th for teacher pay.
The council didn’t hand out any A’s or B’s, and 25 states and the District of Columbia scored worse than West Virginia.
Three states, Maine, Montana, and Maryland received F’s.
The report examined five different factors, teacher preparation, evaluation, tenure and dismissal, alternative certification and compensation.
Today more than ever classrooms across the United States have more access to computer technology for learning and education. With the changing structure of classrooms, inclusive general education classrooms are accommodating students with differing abilities who need equal access to technology for learning. It is the right of all students to receive a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment possible. When materials are inaccessible, students with disabilities are singled out and limited in their ability to access technology for learning. If students do not receive sufficient education, it could significantly impact their opportunity for further education and employment. It is important to note that accessibility removes barriers and helps everyone.
There are many different accessible technologies and assistive technologies that are available to help create universal classrooms for learning. Accessible technology is computer software that allows people to adjust their computers to meet their individual preferences. Assistive technology (AT) is any device used to perform tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. These devices can be as complex as computers with screen reading software or as simple as a typing aid for keyboards. Accessible technology and AT are two options that work together to provide all students with access to educational opportunities in inclusive mainstreamed general education classrooms. Click to read more …
