A recent New Haven Register article described some of the pros and cons of the Milford Public Schools use of 10 early dismissal days for teachers and administrators to meet, discuss and plan educational strategies to improve instruction. Although some have stated their opinions already, clearly, the school administrators and personnel, the Board of Education, parents and community members need more information and further exploration into this issue before making any final decisions on how to proceed.
The Milford Public Schools are charged with educating all children living in Milford regardless of socio-economic status, language differences, special needs or disabilities, family crisis due to health, economic, mental health, drug or alcohol related issues, etc. Children coming to school hungry or tired resulting in difficulty focusing in class also effect learning. Teachers and school staff face a variety of challenges daily. Educating children goes far beyond what can be measured in CMT and CAPT scores.
Educating students and preparing them for the world beyond high school is neither simplistic in approach nor implementation. The home-school-community collaboration is key to a successful education system. As a community, we face complicated problems that should not and will not be solved by threatening to withhold taxpayer money at every turn. This community needs to have an honest, respectful and informed discussion about public education and its commitment to it; otherwise we'll never address the real issue at stake - the education of our children
Here's my letter before it was edited by The New Haven Register
A recent New Haven Register article described some of the pros and cons of the Milford Public Schools use of 10 early dismissal days for teachers and administrators to meet, discuss and plan educational strategies to improve instruction. Although some have stated their opinions already, clearly, the school administrators and personnel, the Board of Education, parents and community members need more information and further exploration into this issue before making any final decisions on how to proceed.
The Milford Public Schools are charged with educating all children living in Milford regardless of socio-economic status, language differences, special needs or disabilities, family crisis due to health, economic, mental health, drug or alcohol related issues, etc. Children coming to school hungry or tired resulting in difficulty focusing in class also effect learning. Teachers and school staff face a variety of challenges daily. Educating children goes far beyond what can be measured in CMT and CAPT scores.
Educating students and preparing them for the world beyond high school is neither simplistic in approach nor implementation. The home-school-community collaboration is key to a successful education system. As a community, we face complicated problems that should not and will not be solved by threatening to withhold taxpayer money at every turn. This community needs to have an honest, respectful and informed discussion about public education and its commitment to it; otherwise we'll never address the real issue at stake - the education of our children