Concerns of Public Education: O = Outdated Materials

by Lyn Newton | More from this Blogger

I am over half way through the alphabet on my concerns and perks of public education. So far I have discussed attitude, funding, lice, and more. Today brings me to the letter O. My concern for O is outdated materials.

Many public school systems struggle with money. They cut back in all possible areas. One area usually hit with 'just getting by' is instructional materials. Textbooks become outdated and are often not replaced until a five-year adoption is complete.

Many lower grade curriculums have supplemental student manipulatives and supplies. Some of these materials are free the first year but must be purchased after that period is over. A lot of public school systems cannot afford to continue to purchase the materials. It can be difficult to continue using the same supplements year after year because many of them are consumable.

Technology is also often very outdated. We have computers in our classrooms that do not have enough memory or hardware to support educational games. Some of the computers do not even have a word processor installed. Teachers have trouble typing newsletters and student worksheets. Many schools are lucky if they have one screen projector to use for PowerPoint presentations.

Most classrooms only have a television because the teacher purchased it with her own money. Many of the classrooms with televisions are connected to a VCR player, unless the teacher has taken it upon herself to purchase a DVD player. Primary teachers often show educational videos such as The Magic School Bus. Many new movies are only available on DVD.

New teachers make do with discarded bookshelves and other classrooms supplies. Very few new teachers walk into a furnished room. I have actually known some new teachers that have gone into classrooms that did not even have tables, chairs, or desks (those of course were ordered later).

A good teacher can teach without elaborate or updated materials. However, like with most tasks, teaching and learning is enhanced with the proper equipment.

Teachers

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Learn more about Lyn Newton

Lyn is a kindergarten teacher and mommy to a girl and a boy. In her spare time, she enjoys informative and creative writing.

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