Every morning in America, as we send eager fourth graders off to school, ready to learn with their backpacks and lunch boxes, we are entrusting them to an education system that accepts the fact that only one in three of them can read at grade level!!!!!!!!!!
Let me repeat that: Only one in three U.S. fourth graders can read at grade level. This is not okay!!!
But studies have shown that in just one year, students with an effective teacher are able to improve by one and a half grade levels. This impact is so significant that the "achievement gap" between low- and high-income students and between minority and non-minority students can effectively be erased by only three consecutive years of great teachers.
It's time we recognize the value of great teachers. At StudentsFirst, it's our goal to make sure every child in America has a great teacher in every classroom. From improving teacher evaluations, to ending seniority-based teacher layoffs, to paying effective teachers higher salaries and bonuses, there are many ways we can elevate the teaching profession in this country to a level that reflects its importance and attracts talented individuals to join its ranks.
Help us share the message about the need for education reform by sharing the "1 in 3 fourth graders" image on Facebook:
http://www.studentsfirst.org/one-in-three P.S. Be sure to like StudentsFirst on Facebook right now.
