Public Forum:
The School District of Elmbrook is experiencing declining enrollment, declining revenue and increasing costs. It's a sobering combination. For many years, Elmbrook was a regional leader. Now we have real competition. This is no time to lower our standards, but we have done so - not deliberately, but by incremental changes that weaken our academic foundation.
Our children read less than they once did, and the quality of the reading material is sometimes poor. After a point, most kids don't need more reading strategies; they need experience with high-quality literature that conveys meaningful ideas and information. Good writing with content worth thinking about will equip them for high school and beyond.
Our elementary math program emphasizes conceptual strategies rather than mastery of facts and skills. It will weaken student performance going forward. Conceptual understanding is important, but it must be accompanied by computational fluency. We can do better.
We can have great schools again. The current School Board has strong leadership and business talent. What's missing is a board member whose focus is curriculum and instruction, who understands the lingo of the educators and the needs of families. I have those skills.
I have four children in Elmbrook schools, elementary through high school, with abilities ranging from special needs through gifted. I know the spectrum. As a former homeschooler, I've taught the spectrum. As an involved parent I've worked with teachers, administrators and residents at every level, on tasks ranging from advocacy to planning, copy making to policy making.
I believe in this community, and I believe in outstanding education. I believe Elmbrook can be the regional district of choice. I am working toward that end, and I would be honored to serve on the Board of Education.
Kathryn Wilson
Brookfield
E-mail Newsletter
Your link to the biggest stories in the suburbs delivered Thursday mornings.
Enter your e-mail address above and click "Sign Up Now!" to begin receiving your e-mail newsletter
Get the Newsletter!
More from News and Features
- Healthy choices topic of Heartfelt Sunday
- Ask NOW: Traffic light rumor laid to rest
- Full appeals court to hear Elmbrook graduation arguments
- Gala for cancer research
- Business Calendar: Feb. 15-25
- Grab a Bite: One Way Cafe: A Tosa Village melting pot
- New zoning district eyed for 124th Street neighborhood
- Government Meetings: Feb. 9-16
- Musician shares hope, faith
- Elm Grove residents call for greater safety (1)
.jpg)
0 COMMENTS