Basic educational items like physical education, arts and music, remedial reading help, computers were rare or absent in California schools. 35 to 40 students in a classroom was common. That education occurred was a testament to the teachers and staff.
Once, California schools were rated among the best in the nation. Now they are rated among the worst. Now, Fairfax County schools rate near the top. Where will they be in five to ten years?
To believe some of those running for the School Board, there is waste and much to be cut from our schools. Cut the arts, eliminate counselors, get rid of reading teachers, reduce administration! To do so is a sure way to undermine the quality of education; it would be to Californicate our public schools. Fairfax county schools are terrific. Why is there this mistrust and desire to fix what is not broke?
There is also great danger in introducing religious dogma into schools. I am a minister and have dedicated my life to religious faith. But faith, worship, religious practices belong in the homes and in our houses of worship, not in our schools. Creationism is not science. I could no more deliver sermons about quantum mechanics than science teachers should teach about religion. Should teachers be free to teach whatever they want, however they want?
Should there be official prayer? I can think of no better way of trivializing something profound than school prayer.
Our public schools are places where children learn to be informed citizens, to develop critical thinking skills, to be challenged, to learn to live in a diverse culture, to learn basic facts, to gain an appreciation of the arts. They are not places for religious instruction. Our schools serve all of us, not any one person or group.
I know who I am going to vote for. I hope you do too. I am going to vote for those who want to keep the separation of church and state clear and who will support increased resources for the schools. I can do no less for all our children.
