Cheri Whitehead
Recent Activity
Cheri Whitehead commented on Mitt Romney: How will you ensure that our students can compete in a global economy? on January 21, 2008, 4:59 PM
I would like to respond to OmarS: First, what a tremendous gift to those who are in command of more than one language--I wish that the United States would embrace this idea--and I agree that English is the key to success in this nation, however, in a global society, Americans need to have more skills that go far beyond their own language in order to be truly productive and educated. I agree with you that the "English-Only" jazz is nothing more than ethnic arrogance.I also wanted you to know that I also concur with your statement, "The average parent doesn't have the knowledge to know what's the best education system for his or her child." Unfortunately, in the United States it is often the politics that render policy as opposed to critical research and educators themselves. I also believe that a society must be involved with creating educational enterprise systems that serve their populous. I must tell you, however, that in spite of the political winds, most educators in this country are hell-bent on providing their students with the knowledge and skills they will need to achieve their life dreams.
Cheri Whitehead commented on John McCain: How will you ensure that our students can compete in a global economy? on January 21, 2008, 4:47 PM
I agree that financial support must be available to help individuals who attend college. I do not agree, however, with the implementation of NCLB. It is not possible to have all students meet standards in the same way--as a teacher of students with disabilities in one of the most impoverished cities in CA, this mode of evaluating falls short of truly assessing the knowledge and abilities of students of all kinds and does not provide the advantages that students of more affluent households have already enjoyed. I would challenge every citizen to come into the schools, especially high school classrooms, today so that they can see the amazing and exciting environments that our students are provided--I guarantee you that you will be astounded and pleased at the level of instruction in the schools that I am affiliated with. I agree that there must be standards and accountability, however, it must result in positive outcomes, not just statistics that are not attainable--NCLB is not the answer!
Cheri Whitehead commented on How will you ensure that our students can compete in a global economy? on January 21, 2008, 4:36 PM
I concur that education is a right and entitlement--it is absolutely critical that all human inhabitants be given the opportunity to reach their innate potential. In the United States, all individuals from birth through adulthood deserve an excellent education. As an educator myself, I not only instill my belief in each of my students, but aid them both through financial means and advisement in their pursuit of their dreams. When one member of a family succeeds, the entire family is improved, which is followed by the neighborhood, community, etc. It is to each of our own benefit to actively facilitate education.
Cheri Whitehead commented on Bill Richardson: How would you make our students more globally competitive? on January 21, 2008, 12:23 PM
THANK YOU GOVERNOR RICHARDSON for your thoughtful insight into the challenges of education! I am so very hopeful that all students will be provided with that early exposure to a balanced curriculum that will nurture both academics and developmental needs in their first years of life. I know that a full-day experience in kindergarten for all students is critical for formulating long-term student success which leads each of those children to fulfill their personal potential. And as you mentioned, nutrition and the exposure to healthful practices must begin as soon as students begin their educational career and hopefully, each family has begun that journey as well. As a math teacher is high school, I concur that math and science needs to be as important as literacy, a second language, social science, and the arts. I am not going to complain about teacher wages as most educators do not enter the field for that purpose and accept the situation. I am so very thankful to be in this profession and my rewards are the ultimate success of my students in school and beyond. I am a staunch and strong proponent of having all individuals within our borders participate in at least one year of national service%u2014this experience would serve to help our youth to become aware of the needs, practices, consequences, and rewards of the greater world. This type of requirement would serve to bind our neighborhoods together in a very positive manner. As far as NCLB goes, I also agree that it MUST BE SCRAPPED! Most states are fully capable of defining and implementing standards that are far more rigorous than those that are assessed by the current federal law. Governor Richardson, I am asking you to please continue to use your voice and convictions to carry your beliefs to fruition.
Cheri Whitehead commented on Bill Richardson: How would you make our students more globally competitive? on January 21, 2008, 5:23 PM
THANK YOU GOVERNOR RICHARDSON for your thoughtful insight into the challenges of education! I am so very hopeful that all students will be provided with that early exposure to a balanced curriculum that will nurture both academics and developmental needs in their first years of life. I know that a full-day experience in kindergarten for all students is critical for formulating long-term student success which leads each of those children to fulfill their personal potential. And as you mentioned, nutrition and the exposure to healthful practices must begin as soon as students begin their educational career and hopefully, each family has begun that journey as well. As a math teacher is high school, I concur that math and science needs to be as important as literacy, a second language, social science, and the arts. I am not going to complain about teacher wages as most educators do not enter the field for that purpose and accept the situation. I am so very thankful to be in this profession and my rewards are the ultimate success of my students in school and beyond.I am a staunch and strong proponent of having all individuals within our borders participate in at least one year of national service%u2014this experience would serve to help our youth to become aware of the needs, practices, consequences, and rewards of the greater world. This type of requirement would serve to bind our neighborhoods together in a very positive manner.As far as NCLB goes, I also agree that it MUST BE SCRAPPED! Most states are fully capable of defining and implementing standards that are far more rigorous than those that are assessed by the current federal law. Governor Richardson, I am asking you to please continue to use your voice and convictions to carry your beliefs to fruition.