INSTRUCTIONS: The importance of our public school system
My youngest child recently graduated from high school. This historic occasion reminded me of the education my children and I received in Sioux City.
Our community experienced a fair amount of turmoil when I was in school in the mid-70s and early 80s. The declining population led to me attending five schools within eight years.
Apart from the unique structure or socioeconomic status of the students, I have been able to reach out to high-level and dedicated educators. Despite the challenges I faced, I acquired enough skills to complete my magna cum laude degree at Drake University.
At the same time, I realized that I could support others who did not. Factors such as a stable, strong family with grandparents in the city, all emphasize the importance of education, and are not universal.
Fortunately, both of my children had the same family support structure (and longtime teachers like grandparents) that I had in their K-12 education journey. Their academic achievement is reflected in such things as the membership of Phi Beta Kappa in the state of Iowa in one and the school of ACT in the top five percent (sorry for parental pride). Although the level and dedication of teachers remains high, there have been significant changes in the field of education they have experienced.
People also learn…
Children move to new, improved areas where heat and cold have not disrupted classes. I remember visiting the old Irving Elementary when a third-floor door was usually left open to reduce the heat at the top, but that was only downstairs.
Students today have access to credit-offering courses both in high school and college. This reduces the cost of pursuing higher education and offers the opportunity to get the pieces needed to work. Donations such as career career expose students to the workplace and help prepare them for the real world.
What was worse now compared to the time I was traveling was a decrease in donations in foreign languages. French, German, and Spanish were offered at that time, compared with only Spanish now. At the time of globalization, it is even worse that one of the largest regions in the province is unable to make a significant contribution.
Schools face many challenges that they have never encountered. Giving instruction to all students without developing skills has not always been a task. Although schools have had to deal with students from a variety of economic and linguistic backgrounds, they have never had so much diversity or graduation requirements for all students. My parents have noticed that many of their classmates quit before or after that, as they were earning a living to support themselves without graduating. That is no longer true.
Schools should strive to address 100% of student and family needs. Politicians only need to focus on gaining the support of just over 50 percent of the electorate. Unfortunately, some want support for unsubstantiated allegations and accusations of a “malicious program.”
Circumstances of individuals and regions that go beyond what society finds free are possible. Situations where they do not do enough also happen. It is easier to tear down than to build or repair. But that is where real leadership must stand up and be involved for the betterment of all.
I have seen a diverse group of young North High students cross the stage to get their diplomas. I also saw their families' pride in this achievement. Many of those students would not have had the options, and limited opportunities, without our public school system. Their skills are being developed as a result of investments made by our community and government. What happens to young people in the future lies in our decision-making investments and accountability.
A resident of Sioux City, Steve Warnstadt is a government affairs coordinator at Western Iowa Tech Community College. He is a member of the Democratic Alliance's national parliament and a retired brigadier general of the Army National Guard. He and his wife, Mary, are parents of one son and one daughter.
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