On the front lines in Wichita KS

Educators across Kansas are on the front lines, working to create 21st century learning opportunities for students in the face of tremendous challenges. No place is this more true than the middle schools I visited last week in Wichita, KS. In particular, imagine that a major architectural defect was discovered in your school over winter break that required 2/3rds of students to be sent elsewhere for their safety. Those students are relocated for second semester to a nearby elementary school that was unused because it 1) was too small, 2) lacked necessary wiring for technology, 3) had inappropriate learning spaces, etc. even to use as an elementary school!

Such is the situation faced by the 7th and 8th grades of Hamilton Middle School. In addition to the tremendous overcrowding, all of the educators forced to leave their old classrooms were not allowed to reenter their old building to retrieve ANY of their teaching supplies (many purchased at their personal expense.)

Everyone – the district, the students, and the faculty – are trying to make the best they can of a very bad situation, but be aware that the impact on learning is inevitable. The impact on the resolve of students is measurable. Most amazing to me was the tremendously positive attitude of the educators. They actually shouted for joy when United Teachers of Wichita President Paul Babich brought each member a ream of paper to help them survive the shortages. But of course, I’m sure there are some legislators that think schools just need to tighten their belts & give up all those frills… like paper.

My greatest admiration and appreciation goes out to KNEA members across Wichita. And my challenge goes out to policy makers – stop using the economic down turn as yet another excuse to shortchange the students, families, communities and education professionals of this state.