A few conversations with educators recently have made me think more deeply about what our students need to thrive and succeed.
A professor at Long Beach State, where she taught physical therapy courses, continues to have a deep love and passion for education even after retirement. She shared how important it is to emphasize critical thinking and ensure that every student has the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to succeed. She also shared her personal experience as a parent of a child who struggled with reading—and how, with the right accommodations and support, her son was able to find success.
An instructor at El Camino College shared another perspective: some students arrive at college without the academic foundation they need. For example, students who do not pass Algebra 2 may not be able to move on to chemistry courses. For some, the pathway to transferring to a four-year university can then become much more difficult. This conversation reinforced my belief that we need to build a strong foundation beginning in kindergarten and continue strengthening it throughout a student’s education.
I also had the opportunity to meet a couple who teach at a high school in TUSD. They explained how the Early College program can help students earn college credit while in high school and potentially open the door to higher education for even more students.
Finally, a retired philosophy professor from Cal State Dominguez Hills shared his concern about the decline he has observed in students’ writing skills. He emphasized the importance of a rigorous curriculum and strong academic foundations to prepare students for future success.
These conversations have left me with an important question:
What do our TUSD students need to thrive and succeed over the next four years?
I believe this is a question worth thoughtful discussion. Let’s put our students and their future at the forefront as we gather information we need to make an informed decision on the November 3 election.
