We are very fortunate in Kirkwood to have a high quality educational system. I am very proud that Griffin had the chance to go to Westchester Elementary School which just received an award for their performance this past year. (See the Webster-Kirkwood Times).  Many people, teachers, administrators, the Kirkwood School Board Foundation, have worked, and do work diligently to provide the high quality education we have here in Kirkwood.

Griffin, my 14 year old nephew, is starting 8th grade at North Kirkwood Middle School.  I have proudly watched the team of teachers working to ensure Griffin and all children receive the education they need to meet their future goals.  If you have children, you understand the importance of continuity between home and school.  Raising a child can be challenging but with the partnershihp of our teachers the task becomes easier. 

Studies have shown that children who attend pre-kindergarden programs are better equipped to learn throughout their entire schooling than are those who do not attend preschool. These preschool kids do measurably better in school and also in life than their peers.  They score higher on academic achievements tests, they get better jobs and they are less likely to become dependent on welfare or to engage in criminal activity.  Preschool is a sound investment, and every child in the state should be offered preschool access.

I am troubled by “No Child Left Behind” legislation that has been in place for the past 6 years.  Westchester Elementary School received high honors, but it was one of only five in the State of Missouri to do so.  When “No Child Left Behind” was passed, no additional funding was given to schools to meet the newly imposed standards (that have no statistical relevance), especially to some of our already troubled schools.  Many of our schools are struggling to achieve the imposed standards and many are starting to fail.  A recent headline stated that 3/4 of the Missouri's schools failed to meet the escalating standards created by "No Child Left Behind", (See full article here).    Our teachers' more creative lesson plans are being high-jacked so that the schools only emphasize reading and math, which is where our children are tested.  Social studies, science, art, music, physical education and many other courses are being left out of the curriculum so our children can test better on reading and math.  Then we hear our children can not pick out the United States on a world map, and we wonder why.  Many fear “No Child Left Behind” is nothing more than a long-term plan to privatize our schools.  We need to look into this from a Missouri State point of view and see how our struggling and failing schools can be helped.

Rapid globalization is causing leaders to call for new competencies to advance our competitivness and leadership in the global markets.  These include scientific innovation, security, and proactive improvements in international relations.  In the 21st century, young people who understand the dynamics of global economics and intercultural relationships will have a distinct advantage in securing good jobs.  All around us we need to ensure that the education of all of our students is advanced to meet the emerging needs of the global community.