This, That and One Other Thing

Rachel Wise, District 3, Nebraska State Board of Education (July, 2015)

The State Board of Education is not meeting in July, so this month, I am going to take the opportunity to write about opportunities. As I am working on this article, I, like many of you are shocked and disheartened to hear the news that a 12 year old boy has been accused of murder, here in our heartland! Why is a 12 year old boy out on the streets in the middle of the night? We all have more questions than answers.

One of the greatest gifts you can give a child is access to opportunities. Summer is a time that many children are engaged in summer sports, summer camps, vacation bible school, trips to the library, spending time at a park or a pool, family vacations and many other activities. However, many students do not have access to these common and important summer opportunities. Communities who put kids first should be asking what the kids in their communities are doing this summer. Are there activities and opportunities for all children that are affordable and accessible? Does your community have strategies to reach out to all children? Do you know the percentage of children in your community accessing the library, pool or the park? Do you know the percentage of students in 4H, Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts? Enough with the questions, I think you all get the point. We all have a responsibility in ensuring access to opportunities during the school year and during the summer.

Summer is a good time to “power down” and pick up a good book, or at least enjoy a good book in a digital format! Previously, I wrote in an article that reading is not just an activity for the school day or the school year. Teachers across the state will thank you, if you fit time for reading in your child’s summer activities, even if the book is on a phone, tablet or computer!

Throughout the year I wrote about the lack of progress in the reauthorization of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act known as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. This week the Senate has actually started debate on reauthorization of this important legislation. It is possible that reauthorization will include elements of accountability that align with the direction Nebraska is taking with our new system of accountability. I am optimistic that my article in August will be about the progress being made by both the Senate and the House to reach compromise to reauthorize!

One other thing—enjoy the last few weeks of summer!

Rachel Wise

This article represents my personal view, not that of the State Board of Education or my role as president. Feel free to contact me at rachel.wise@nebraska.gov. Search the Nebraska Department of Education website at www.education.ne.gov to learn more about education in our state.