In Baltimore City, all schools should be equipped with the Internet, computers, and web tools such as computer applications and software that develop learning and promote collaborative knowledge. Unfortunately, all the schools are not modernized. Society requires that people be fluent on the Internet for the following applications: jobs, mortgages, loans, and cars. Also, people have to research and communicate properly online. Besides, classrooms are blended, and universities are moving to the Internet for learning so that some degrees will be earned in an online environment. Jobs need people to have a high level of computer skills and know-how presentation software.
Furthermore, our schools have an infrastructure problem. Students Will Not learn in a cold environment (the heater is broken) or a hot environment (the air conditioner is broken). No student wants to attend a school that lacks the necessities for learning and lacks the amenities that help create a positive learning environment such as working commodes, working fountains, and clean and bright hallways and classrooms. Also, no one wants to attend a school that lacks a safety culture. There is a guide for teachers named Stopping Violence in School.
Overcrowded classrooms are a huge barrier to learning, but schools are closed because of low attendance and low performance. Students cannot learn and acquire knowledge in an overcrowded classroom because they are distracted and made uncomfortably. Teachers can not gain the attention of troubled students; therefore, learning and assessment suffer.
Why can’t schools with low attendance and low performance stay open and be made for a smaller population of students?
A small population of students reduces overcrowded classrooms and increase performance. Elimination of overcrowded classrooms means better learning because students are no longer distracted, and teachers can be better facilitators.
Based on federal law, no kid should be left behind, but some kids will be left behind because some schools are not connected to the Internet. Baltimore City kids will be left behind if the council does not invest in our schools, and the school board does not come up with compelling ideas to better educate students.
References
The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved from http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bs-ed-Baltimore-schools-20150908-story.html
National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) – https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2007/2007020.pdf
Mayor’s Office of Information Technology – http://www.baltimorecityschools.org/cms/lib/MD01001351/Centricity/Domain/6734/FY15/FY15-TechnologyInvestments-FSF147.pdf –
