Education & Child Development on UserVoice

Make Student Transportation Rely on Biodiesel!

2010-08-30T06:15:47+00:00

Marshall Lake suggested:
I think a good idea statewide would be to make the proper changes to all transportation for students to travel on biodiesel run buses. The cost on the fuel would change the states need for fuel consumption thus making the budget for the schools better.

Use More Critical Thinking Programs in the Schools [updated]

2010-08-29T23:48:46+00:00

From Patricia Day TenEyck in Portland: One of the greatest deficits in education currently is the notion that all students need to pass standardized tests. I have two sons in school all of what they are learn is geared specifically toward tests. It upsets me greatly to see that neither son has ever taken a civics or government class, that history is not something they study regularly and that the area where the US has always excelled in education - critical thinking - is sadly lacking. We have a hard time competing with places like India and China in terms of mathematics and science education - but where we exceed every other country and what makes us competitive across the board - is our ability to think critically and outside the box. This used to be taught in schools - but now we teach our students to standardize. Also, the key to a successful democracy is an educated population, but how can our children be educated when they do not understand how a bill becomes law or how congress works?

Stephie said:

My daughter goes to a Charter School in Salem, Oregon and it is a IB School for those that do not know what IB stands for International Baccalaureate. They encourage my daughter to be an active learner along with her classmates. They do this through Inquiry based learning. My daughter's school is also internationally minded and they are teaching our kids how to be internationally minded which our kids need to be to make it out in the world these days. We have smaller class sizes which helps are kids to learn. My daughter's school caps there class sizes at 26 students in each grade. Our school is K-5. One class for each grade. I love my daughter's school and seeing all the things she and the other kids learn about different cultures, countries and they have to figure out questions and there answers that is part of the inquiry learning.

I believe through my daughter's charter school that she is learning how to be a critical thinker and internationally minded individual that I would be proud to have out in the world if she were older working in another country.

Book Tax

2010-08-27T20:16:36+00:00

OsoRojo suggested:
At its most basic, a book tax would be an itemized tax on books sold in Oregon (excluding certain categories) with all funds generated going toward education, specifically literacy programs. This would extend to online book sales. I believe there is a cognitive resonance to this type of taxation, similar to tobacco taxes devoted toward anti-smoking education and children's health care. Also, this tax would only affect certain people, who I think would be mostly content to pay a little more toward education (basically, if you read a lot, your probably pretty grateful for your education and want to see the next generation get the same benefits you had, benefits which led you to a rich life in books). Lastly, at 8-10%, I doubt it would be prohibitive to the individual, but collectively could generate significant funds for education. I welcome any comments on this idea...

Waive tuition in Community colleges for spouses/children of soldiers killed or 100% disabled in war

2010-08-24T00:03:43+00:00

Robert Thornhill suggested:
Idea expands program established by Senate Bill 1066, Section 9, which requires waiver by Oreogn universities. Investment in education pays big dividends as WWII GI Bill returned $7 on each $1 invested.

TAG and gifted [updated]

2010-08-20T01:10:37+00:00

Provide more funding for TAG and gifted programs throughout the state such as Odyssey of the Mind

Robert Pickett said:

I agree. So much can be done with this program! Unfortunately, when I was in it during middle and high school it did nothing for me. No accelarated courses, no advanced classes outside what I could take already. If we can catch the Talented and Gifted, and improve on their learning, we can get a stronger economy and competent leadership where there would be none!

Abolish the "20-hours / no health benefit" rules for employees.

2010-08-19T17:21:26+00:00

P.T. suggested:
Abolish the "20-hours / no health benefit" rules for employees. That would allow people that are working 3 part time jobs to actually have Health insurance.

Use capstone proj's at OR Univ & colleges for students to address OR socio-economic ecol probs

2010-08-19T17:21:11+00:00

Lou suggested:
Encourage and reward students at Oregon universities and colleges to use their capstone projects to address Oregon socio-economic and environmental problems.

Use project-based learning and technology to prepare our high school students for the working world [updated]

2010-08-18T15:11:06+00:00

From Jennifer Cole in Klamath Falls: Until last spring, I worked at a traditional high school in Klamath Falls. I am now working at a new, small high-tech charter school. We are using project-based learning and technology to prepare our high school students for the working world or for success in college - whatever they choose. Our kids are developing skills in technology and all areas to complete projects they present to community members. They are comfortable with adults and with public speaking. They also have skills necessary for today. I think our educational system is stuck in the 70s! My previous school didn't have enough computers to teach my students how to write a satisfactory research paper using current resources. My students didn't have access to the technologies they need to know in order to work in the world as it is today. See us in Klamath Falls and see what we're doing as a free, public charter school. Oregon's students deserve more options and a real-world education to equip them for today!

Deborah Barnes said:

I agree. Governor Kitzhaber visited the Sabin-Schellenberg Center in the North Clackamas School District. CTE shows students have a better chance of staying in school and being better prepared for their next steps in life.

Better Citizenship through Homeschooling [updated]

2010-08-14T17:58:06+00:00

By promoting homeschooling and helping new parents with homeschooling techniques we could not only create a well rounded and better educated citizenry but we could save an incredible number of tax dollars as well.

Lynn Siprelle said:

Homeschoolers pay into the education system (in our case gladly) and don't take out a thing. We should at the least be left alone. Please pledge to sign the Homeschool Freedom Act, Mr Kulongoski.

Religious release

2010-08-14T06:10:50+00:00

Angel suggested:
Change the law about allowing children to attend religious services during school hours when attend public schools.

TAG and gifted

2010-08-14T06:07:31+00:00

Angel suggested:
Provide more funding for TAG and gifted programs throughout the state such as Odyssey of the Mind

PLEASE stop taking money AWAY from special education services! All kids deserve the best.

2010-08-06T01:53:42+00:00

Sandy Kitzhaber suggested:
Children with autism and other developmental disabilities are having funds taken away, leaving them at a disadvantage in school. Why have the IDEA if the states will not provide the extra services that these children need and deserve to succeed in their education

The Oregon University System

2010-08-05T21:00:04+00:00

Jenny suggested:
The Oregon University System is entirely inefficient and it is wasteful if PSU is any indication. I think there is some work that needs to be done to consolidate programs throughout the state, merge smaller colleges into the larger colleges, and hire differently at PSU. There are so many administrators there that are retired on the job, it's pathetic.