What To Do With Education Stimulus Money

We've heard President Obama outline his plan for rebuilding the American economy. He passionately declared that investing more in education is key for us to compete in a global economy.

As details of his plan come to light and Congress earmarks the dollars, it is important that we have two specific goals in mind: 1) Close the achievement gap, and 2) Prepare students for higher education. According to the Chronicle, San Francisco Unified School District is poised to receive nearly $42 million over the next two years from the stimulus package, while Oakland is set to receive nearly $60 million. Other funds will also be made available based on need - $13 billion nationally for schools serving low-income students.

What could SFUSD do with a proposed $42 million? I have several ideas:

• repair, upgrade, and create green school facilities in our poorest neighborhoods
• raise teacher pay and incentives, especially for those who work in low-income schools
  
• hire more teachers to reduce class size to 15 students (see today's article in the LA Times)
  
• hire more aides, para-professionals, tutors, and mentors to work closely with students and teachers during class
• improve teacher and tutor professional development, offering language classes (Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin) and math classes
• pay for after school tutors to supplement classroom work and bring students up to grade level
• prepare students for college entrance exams and help with their college application

Last but certainly not least - get parents involved! A great new site referred to me by a friend, Parent Revolution, is paving the way...