Education worth the investment
As a high school language arts teacher, I passionately implore the legislators and taxpayers to reach into their hearts (and pocketbooks) to adequately fund the public education system in order to prepare our future leaders and entrepreneurs for greatness.
While some argue that throwing additional funds at public education will not produce substantial gains in student performance, society bears the responsibility of acting in the best interest of its citizens.
Every year, I watch teaching positions eliminated, classroom supplies dwindle, and elective courses disappear. Students endure deteriorating facilities and insufficient access to technology resources. And every year I wonder, “Can’t we do better?”
Education actually makes our society richer, having a positive financial impact on our economic future. Thus, individuals who make more money due to improved education will pay more in taxes in the long run. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce-Bureau of the Census (2005), a male high school graduate earns $26,791 less than a college graduate; over a lifetime this disparity totals $937,685. By funding public education properly and improving the success rate of our students, society and the individual will reap a multitude of economic benefits in the form of future earnings.
Furthermore, schools impart non-economic benefits upon students, including the development of morals and values, adherence to rules and laws, artistic and cultural appreciation, as well as an internalized sense of identity.
Indeed, Knoeppel, Verstegen, and Rinehart (2007) published research findings indicating that “resource inputs are powerful predictors of multiple student outcomes … [including] performance on standardized exams, graduation rates, participation in higher education, and citizenship” (voting).
Countless other studies have echoed these statements. If we are continually presented with the proof that additional funds can ensure our children’s future success, then why do we continue to shortchange our successors?
Aren’t our children worth the investment?
Jessica Dahlke
Kailua-Kona