As the state budgets across the country continue to combat their ever-increasing deficits, finding jobs post-grad is becoming more difficult; for teachers, it is nearly impossible. Some school districts in Texas are looking to cut more than 500 teaching positions from their school systems in the following year. In the San Antonio Independent School District, more than 85 library positions, 120 campus instructional coordinators, and 35 curriculum specialists are being eliminated. Austin has decided to cut 1,000 jobs throughout their school system and Dallas will cut over 4,000 jobs.
In addition to cutting positions, school districts are encouraging pre-existing teachers to enter early retirement or resign from their teaching positions by offering monetary incentives. All positions will experience reduction of benefit packages, salary freezes, and hiring freezes. Teaching, one of the most influential, important careers in today’s society is on the verge of being treated with less respect than a job as a busser at a diner.
Increased Classroom Size
As school districts scheme to accommodate the rapidly increasing student body, the laws dictating the number of students allowed in a class are under review. Teachers are now expected to accept less pay and benefits and more students. Austin teachers are fighting against the revisions of the law allowing class sizes to be capped at 24 instead of 22. The current average number of students to a classroom is 19, that number would increase to 22. In spite of the laws, the district is attempting to find ways to cram more students into classes by enabling some schools to overlook the limit.
The increased classroom size coupled with the diminishing teaching staff sets up a foundation of failure for the students. Teachers’ time will be divided between more students, providing fewer opportunities for one on one instruction. The classroom environment will be more chaotic and stressful, allowing for more distractions to the learning process. The curriculum will also be tailored to accommodate a larger number of students however; quantity is not always quality.
Reduction of Programs
In addition to shaving down the number of teachers and increasing the amount of students, districts are also eliminating 'superfluous' programs that do not directly contribute to the curriculum tested by the TEKS. These programs include most fine arts classes as well as preschool classes. The preschool classes will be shortened dramatically and kindergarten classes are in danger of being reduced to a partial day program rather than full day. These essential programs serve a multitude of purposes including introducing children to learning and education. As these invaluable programs are dismissed, the future of education begins to look grim.
Introductory learning programs are not the only things on the chopping block; many fine arts and advanced classes are being eliminated in an attempt to conserve the small budget. Studies have shown that schools with fine arts programs boast higher graduation rates and the students are more successful and well rounded. Fine arts programs allow for self-expression and new methods of learning that encourage students to think and experience the world in a variety of ways. Students with a strong, complete educational background are most prepared for college and eventually careers.
Some districts are contemplating the possibility of eliminating the advanced placement or AP programs from their curriculum. These programs enable high school students who have shown exceptional understanding or dedication to a certain subject to take a college level class and, upon completion of a standardized exam, receive college credit for the course. These classes teach students study skills, analytical thinking, and test taking methods that truly prepare them for the challenges that college presents. The average cost of the AP program is 14.2 million and the districts argue that they are too expensive to support. Despite the cost, the benefits of these programs are immeasurable.
Conclusion
The school systems are one of the most essential public programs in place; they create the foundation for the future, our future. While it is understandable that states must make necessary reductions in order to achieve a balanced budget, it is absolutely imperative that the education and future of society is not jeopardized.
Heather Hitsman - I am currently an undergraduate student working my way towards a BA in English. I hope to transition directly into graduate school upon ...
