School officials talk education on radio
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Hale made those comments while he and new Bobby Ray Elementary principal Beverly Ramsey talked on “Focus,” a new WCPI radio show with a specific emphasis on Warren County. The show will be broadcast today at 5:30 p.m. on 91.3 FM.
“I think we’re going to see high schools change and become more technically oriented,” said Hale. “With the pre-K program, we’re getting kids thinking earlier. From a technical standpoint, we’re not needing those four-year degrees as much.
“The mindset has changed. The American dream has always been to get a four-year degree and move back home. But now that we’re competing with China and other countries, it’s important to have American workers with job skills.”
Ramsey is a career educator with over 30 years experience in the classroom. She said one thing that’s changing with education is children are beginning to learn so much earlier.
“We’re teaching students to read in kindergarten where they used to only be taught how to line up and basic social skills,” said Ramsey. “We’re teaching things earlier so students are going to have more progress before college.”
Ramsey said one challenge is to get more students interested in science because the United States is lagging behind other countries in that area. She said one way this can be done is by showing students how science really can enhance their everyday lives.
When the topic shifted to education funding, Hale said he doesn’t like the fact schools depend on candy bar sales and other fundraisers to make ends meet. But he said there is a bright side to that.
“As people get more involved, they feel a sense of ownership and that’s good,” said Hale.