Education

Thomas Jefferson said, “That all powers not delegated to the United States, by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States or to the people. To take a single step beyond the boundaries thus specifically drawn around the powers of Congress, is to take possession of a boundless field of power, no longer susceptible to any definition.”

The education of our children is not a power delegated to the federal government under the Constitution. This power rests exclusively with parents, local school districts, and state legislatures. I believe the No Child Left Behind Act gives too much authority to bureaucrats at the Department of Education and wastes billions of our tax dollars each year. Parents, educators, employers and the local community must work together to ensure all children develop the skills they need to become the successful leaders of tomorrow.

Responses to “Education”

  1. Dick Kantenberger says:
    September 24, 2009 at 8:03 pm

    Dr. Susan K. Johnson (Baylor) answers: Is lack of mandatory Gifted and Talented teacher certification killing Gifted Education in Texas?

    The question I asked Dr. Johnsen:

    Has the lack of mandatory Gifted and Talented teacher certification in Texas reduced or eliminated the number of Gifted and Talented courses and programs at Baylor University?

    I wouldn’t be surprised if that is the case. At Baylor, we have very few applicants for master’s level programs in gifted education. Maybe one every three years. We do have an undergraduate program that offers a dual certificate (GT and elementary certificates) and have about 11-15 students who graduate from that program each year. Our undergraduate program is nationally recognized by NCATE, and our graduates often receive outstanding teacher awards in their school districts.

    Teachers in Texas only have to have a 30 clock-hour certificate with only minimal topic requirements. In Louisiana, teachers are required to have a master’s degree in gifted education and 18 hours of coursework. They have strong university programs.

    The requirements in Texas do not allow teachers to meet national standards and ultimately affect not only courses offered at universities but also the quality of the education of gifted students.

    Thanks for asking the question,
    Susan

    Susan K. Johnsen, Ph. D.
    Professor, Department of Educational Psychology
    School of Education
    Baylor University
    One Bear Place #97301
    Waco, TX 76798
    254-710-6116

    See other comments:

    Dr. F. Richard Olanchak (Univ. of Houston) answers the question: Is Gifted Education killing Gifted Education in Texas?

    Dr. Joyce Juntune (Texas A&M) answers: Is Gifted Education killing Gifted Education in Texas?

    Dr. Kathy Hargrove (SMU) answers: Is lack of Gifted and Talented teacher certification killing Gifted Education in Texas?

    “By…(selecting) the youth of genius from among the classes of the poor, we hope to avail the State of those talents which nature has sown as liberally among the poor as the rich, but which perish without use if not sought for and cultivated”. Thomas Jefferson, 1772

    We did not listen then. Will we now?

    Dick Kantenberger
    Gifted Education Writer
    Examiner.com


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