Straight from the Classroom

Thanks to Lindsey for this message concerning the classroom environment.

The other day I had Dallas (D-ray) sub for me and the first thing he said when I asked how his day went, was "Every classroom should have an assistant". I have a specialized enhanced resource (self-contained)classroom with around 14-16 kids per subject, so it makes sense for me to have an assistant or two, but I kept thinking... you know, he's right!

I calculated it out the other day with rough number for Davidson county and the cost of hiring assistants for all classrooms if you added four kids to each class would cost less than what Bredesen is trying to spend to build a ball room/renovate the mansion. in other words... you wouldn't have to hire a couple of hundred teachers (which I'm sure we are probably short of anyways)and with that money you provide assistants for each (willing) classroom teacher actually reducing the student to teacher/assistant/adult ratio and reducing distractions to class because the assistant can take care of behavior issues, work with struglling students, etc. Plus most assistants are aspiring teachers and what better experience than in the classroom!

Lets spend our tax money in better ways this year, and I know if you get in there you can make a change for the children and our future...

You asked, so that's my thought for the day! ;)