Education- The Big Cutoff

Alaina Woods

Professor Kelly Warren

ENC1102

22 April 2013

The Big Cut Off

“Gosh, why do we have to carry these books back and forth?” I ask my AP Government teacher Ms. O’Neal. “Because”, she replies “the district apparently can’t afford to buy two copies for you guys.” This explains the growing pain I have in my right shoulder, and the growing irritation I’m getting with Duval County Public Schools. The bad thing about it is that budget cuts in education seem to be everywhere, and pretty much everyone is feeling some type of way about it.

It’s clear that teachers are the most effected by the budget cuts. As well as resources being lowered, so was their salary. Many schools face budget cuts, all over the United States. This results in many teachers being dissatisfied with their jobs. The budget cuts seem to have an impact on the school, and how much teachers can put out to their students. With help from the Obama administration, there a few changes in action. These changes, such as “teacher evaluations that stress the student’s standardized performance, curbs on tenure and Common Core”(Resmovitz: Teacher Survey) were passed years ago. However, it seems as if these changes are just now taking effect. With the number of unsatisfied teachers constantly growing, school leaders actually make an effort to try their views.

Lately, sequestration has been familiar to many people and one it’s main victims is education. Sequestration doesn’t only put fear in teacher’s hearts, it also puts a fear in Secretary of Education’s Arne Duncan’s heart. He feels that “education is the last place to be reducing our investment”(Paner: Budget Cuts), and he’s right. The sequestration makes things harder, and is also a cause of a decrease in after-school programs, day care, and the length in the school year or school day. I remember a question I was asked about sequestration: “Which of the following would you take away-head start, meals on wheels, or section 8 housing?” This question stuck with me, because what person would take away education designed for innocent toddlers? I feel as if the sequestration is unfair, and takes away many useful things, instead of the things that aren’t needed as much.

Lastly, the budget cuts in education may cause teachers to use their own money to purchase school supplies that the school should distribute. There aren’t enough resources to go around, such as textbooks, notebooks, pencils, etc. This eventually results in the teacher having to use their money to provide for their students. Even though this has just been brought to attention, it is not a new issue. I experience it all the time in my school, and it won’t improve any time soon. “Teachers spend $3 Billion out of pocket per year on school supplies.”(Inglee: Shocking Amount) It isn’t fair, nor is it trying to be improved. However, it’s the only solution due to the fact that schools don’t get the money needed to give the great education that students deserve. I often hear my teachers complaining on how they have to use their own salary to buy things that should be given, and I think the school board could actually give assistance, they just choose not to.

Budget cuts are simply a part of life, but some things shouldn’t have to suffer because of it. One of those things is simply education. Yes, it’s free and some things should be paid for, but everybody isn’t able. Nobody should be a victim of it, especially students. Teachers see budget cuts as excuses for them to slack off, and it’s soon taken off on the students and the things they learn. Next, sequestration puts a hurting on the students from an early age, because daycare is taken away. Students also lose a chance to enhance their learning unless their parents will use their own funds. Lastly, the budget cuts have become so bad to the point where teachers have to provide their own. Education is taking a turn for the worst, and the bad [part about it is that the root of it is money and selfishness. When I think about that conversation with Ms. O’Neal, I actually feel bad knowing that it’s beyond her control, and there’s nothing she could possibly do about the harsh consequences of budget cuts in education.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Works Cited

Resmovitz, Joy. “Teacher Survey Shows Record Low Job Satisfaction In 2012” Huffington Post. 21 Feb 2013. 22 April 2013

 

Inglee, Jenny. “The Shocking Amount America’s Teachers Spend On School Supplies (Infographic)” Take Part. 12 Sep 2012. 22 April 2013

Parker, Suzi. “Budget Cuts in Education Are Looming- So What Does That Mean for Kids?” Take Part. 22 Feb 2013. 22 April 2013