Minnow Tank

Check out my post on We Create Here to read about an upcoming event from the SuccessSHE team at Iowa BIG called Minnow Tank. It's all about empowering young girls and giving them a voice in our community.

What's a Student to do? #ialegis

I don’t think 1.25% is enough. If it forces districts to cut staff, and reduce foreign language and arts programs, it’s not enough. If it hinders the resources of innovative off campus opportunities, it’s not enough. If it puts Iowa, one of the most economically sound states in the country, in 35^th place for dollars per student, it’s not enough.

I’ve never really followed the politics and legislation behind my education, despite how much I value it. Earlier this week, however, I read a blog post written by Shawn Cornally, the head master at Iowa BIG (the project based learning school I attend), that really scared me. 

If Iowa’s education budget only increases by 1.25%, BIG won’t be able to continue for much more than a year. BIG is a unique learning experience open to all Cedar Rapids and Prairie high schools that works hard to ensure that students like me have the resources and knowledge to pursue the projects we love. Whether your passion be music, science, or agriculture, BIG has a project-or the opportunity to create a project-that centers on your interests and contributes positively to the community.

That could be gone in less than two years?

Granted, I’ll be graduating next year, and the program will probably be around for as long as I am eligible to participate in it-but that’s not the point. I value the education I’m receiving off campus at BIG, and I value the connections I’ve made to my community there. I value the impact this program has had on me. I value the impact this program will have on others. To think of such a great opportunity being dissolved by insufficient funds and resources, terrifies me.

Thankfully, someone is doing something about it. In the post that I read by Shawn, he outlines his plan to keep BIG alive and thriving: taking a second job and donating that salary to the school district.

He’s crazy. Although, after having him as a teacher all year, that’s something I knew already. I also knew already how dedicated and invested Shawn is in the BIG program. He cares about EVERY student. He believes in the work we’re doing at BIG, and he wants to see us succeed.

He’s not alone. Davenport Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Art Tate is defying state law to provide funds to his schools. His plan: dip into the districts reserve fund to eliminate larger class sizes and cutting staff.

These actions may seem extreme, but it’s nice to know that someone cares. As a student, I’m close to helpless when it comes to legislation and budgets. Honestly, what can I do? What platform is there for students to have any say in the way their education is shaped? Who is really giving students a voice in these matters?

I feel alone and misunderstood in the realm of my own educational experience. People like Shawn and Dr. Tate give me hope though. The crazy, genuine people that care more about the quality of students’ experiences, rather than the cost and logistics, are the ones that have brought me to love my school. It comforts me to know that they are the same people fighting for the quality of learning that students deserve.