Remember when…

Parents supported the teacher when a child got into trouble?

Parents taught personal responsibility rather than modeled entitlement?

Children respected teachers?

They were kind to others?

Bullying was minimal?

Values like responsibility, respect, kindness and courtesy were taught in the home, school, church and society at large?

Remember when…

The “three Rs” were taught?

Children learned straightforward arithmetic rather than being bewildered by the convoluted methods of Common Core?

Children were taught to write cursive so they could actually sign their names?

If you are old enough to remember when the above list was “standard operating procedure” or you are wise enough to understand the importance of personal responsibility, respect, kindness, courtesy, the importance of a solid educational curriculum, and the destructive nature of Common Core, you probably also understand that money will not solve Michigan’s teacher shortage. (See article titled, “Senate Dems push teaching bill package,” Sentinel, Jan. 30)

Rather than rewarding the public educational system with more money (Senate Bills 25,724-725 and 764-782), the shortcomings first need to rectified. The most obvious and straightforward place to begin would be the removal of Common Core and the return to the “three Rs.” Give children the opportunity to thrive. Allow educators to be creative, teach values, and have a positive impact on their students.

When young people learn and succeed and parents are happy, teaching once again becomes an inviting, challenging, rewarding and lifelong profession.

Linda Dykstra
Spring Lake