Don’t overlook key student needs

I am a high school teacher, and in matters that deal with education, I try to have a well-informed opinion and educate myself fully on every issue before taking a stance. My thoughts on the dismantling of the Department of Education are well informed.

It is important not to speak out against this agenda simply because it is a Republican initiative. It is essential to do what is right for students. Here is what I know: The Department of Education was never in charge of curriculum and the federal government has never dictated what students are taught. Education has always been run by states.

The Department of Education does monitor educational data and help give funding to schools in need. Low-income children, in low-income areas often attend low-income schools. Schools with fewer resources are not able to provide students with nourishment and academic intervention to help students narrow the achievement gap.

The Department of Education also provides resources to schools to accommodate students with disabilities. Can this funding continue without a Department of Education? Of course it can, but will it?

Americans are not comfortable with allowing students to go hungry at school. Americans are not comfortable with students living in poverty to have no access to field trips, quality lab equipment or basic school supplies. Americans are not comfortable with students living in poverty with disabilities lacking support at school. Americans are not comfortable with allowing hundreds of thousands of children to fall through the cracks.

I am writing this not to change your mind on the dismantling of the Department of Education, but to ask everyone to hold lawmakers accountable to ensure these types of funding programs continue and that they always put students and children in this country ahead of their personal agendas.

Sarah Robertson

Elgin