Comment Summary

What do you want to tell us about education in Alaska?
#	Response Date	Response Text
1.	10/10/2008 7:50:00 PM	We need to educate the whole child not just what academic areas are necessary to meet AYP. We also need more quality early learning alternatives.
2.	10/10/2008 10:07:00 PM	There are dedicated, creative and talented teachers working alongside those who do not want to put in the effort to help children reach their potential. Successes in challenging schools need to be widely celebrated. Parents of all students need to feel welcome.
3.	10/10/2008 10:45:00 PM	We need to fund early childhood programs state wide so that all children are ready for school not just a few lucky ones on the road system or children with parents have jobs.
4.	10/11/2008 5:18:00 AM	We need better pay for our teachers.
5.	10/12/2008 6:44:00 AM	Some districts are doing very well. Some districts are not. It depends on who is teaching who and what and how they are teaching it. Book learning is disgusting. In the very near future due to technology, the walls and ceilings of classrooms will be "alive" and become a living organism that connects children to their past, each other and the rest of the world in a profound way.
6.	10/12/2008 10:15:00 PM	Every student has the right to expect that he or she will graduate high school with the ability to compete with any other graduate applying for college, a job, or an apprenticeship. If Alaska doesn't do that for ourselves, eventually the feds will tell us what our standards must be. We need to retain control of our children's education and at the same time prepare them to compete against the best.
7.	10/12/2008 10:57:00 PM	Alaska education needs to remember that no one cares more about kids than the families, schools and community people that work with them each day. There are no silver bullets, no perfect laws,policies, or regulations. We tell our Federal Government that a one-size-fits-all NCLB doesn't work in Alaska, yet we continue to practice one-size-fits-all in many aspects of our state education. It doesn't matter what size your school is, there is no single program, curriculum, assessment, etc. that will meet the need of every student.
8.	10/13/2008 3:08:00 PM	Continue to provide support to new teachers/principals to help stem the turnover rate in the bush.
9.	10/13/2008 6:09:00 PM	Drop NCLB and use more state revenue to fund the schools. Give each secondary student a laptop. A significant risk can lead to significant gain. Look at Maine. Producing smarter more able citizens will benefit Alaska in myriad ways.
10.	10/13/2008 6:10:00 PM	For all the $ we're putting into it, we should be showing more success. Need smaller class size. More school readiness starting at infant learning.
11.	10/13/2008 6:11:00 PM	For many reasons, education in Alaska is unique, but not so much that the underlying values and rigor of academics are not essential, as they are Down South. We need to be mindful that while we acknowledge, honor and respect our magnificent diversity, we must prepare our students to thrive in today's world...Alaska and beyond!
12.	10/13/2008 6:28:00 PM	Stop destroying the traditional, indigenous cultures with inappropriate education. As an educator who has worked in this field for 37 years, I have witnessed the deterioration. Currently, 12% of Native deaths are alcohol related. Young Native males suicide rates range from 3 to 14 times the national average, depending on the region. We are not helping people in rural, traditional villages survive--we are creating dependency and despair. Education is one of the most powerful forces on earth. It can uplift and enhance. Used inappropriately, it can also destroy.
13.	10/13/2008 6:45:00 PM	I think that Alaska Learning Labs is the best academically enhancing after school program in the state.
14.	10/13/2008 6:48:00 PM	I believe that I have said enough. I came to Alaska with a two year dream and an adventure in mind. Now, in my 22nd year as a teacher and administrator in rural Alaska I find myself having realized a life well beyond my dreams and opportunities I would have never imagined. Hopefully, as I look back on that career I will find that I fought important fights, challenged people in important ways, and helped to make a difference. Like all good educational experiences, I will have learned a lot, too.
15.	10/13/2008 6:54:00 PM	Education is critical to the future of the state and that support for the education must increase. In the early 80's the state of Alaska offered educators the highest salary schedule in the nation. Now salaries are the lowest they have been in decades. The state is losing high quality educators to other states due, in part, to the inability of school districts to offer competitive salaries.
16.	10/13/2008 8:29:00 PM	I feel that education needs to get back to more traditional ways of doing things, and away from the trying to implement the latest educational fad. Too many resources ae wasted. I would also like to see more vocational programs. The state is woefully short of skilled workers. Not every student is cut out for college, yet is seems for years now all of the educational system was geared that way.
17.	10/13/2008 8:38:00 PM	It still is a work in progress
18.	10/13/2008 9:38:00 PM	Even though educator quality is high in Alaska, the teachers' union has too much power in protecting incompentent educators.
19.	10/14/2008 1:36:00 AM	Education in Alaska shows many strengths, but has many weaknesses as well. In comparing the standards we have adopted to other states, it is sad to realize Alaska is far behind what other states expect. Yes, there are challenges in our schools, but if we do not raise the expectations there is no hope of ever getting better and growing. Specifically to the district I work in, textbooks are not provided by the district, but purchased through fund raising by our teachers and staff. The district must step up to the plate and purchase the needed materials to allow students the best opportunity to learn. This reflects the inconsistency from school to school within the district and no cohesion of curriculum and/or programs throughout the district.
20.	10/14/2008 1:47:00 AM	Regulations should be adopted to prevent ANY type of conflict of interest and/or neopotism in hiring of school personnel. It is a MAJOR issue in the Kodiak Schools (i.e. administrators hiring their spouses or directly supervising their spouses, etc.)
21.	10/14/2008 3:25:00 AM	I want you to know that education in Alaska is not going to get better until someone starts holding administrators accountable. Not accountable with test scores, just with everyday job duties, for example, seeing to it that teachers are given a lunch break, preforming required teacher observations. General principal duties.
22.	10/14/2008 4:48:00 AM	I believe we have what it takes in this state to improve the education for all students, but it will take an open and collaborative effort to make effective use of the resources available.
23.	10/14/2008 5:48:00 AM	Overall, education in Alaska is satisfactory but I feel if we had more opportunities for our students we would see a higher graduation rate.
24.	10/14/2008 6:48:00 AM	The curriculum and the reporting of courses and grades needs to be more streamlined so Universities in the lower 48 can understand the grade point average and course work on the transcripts of students.
25.	10/14/2008 3:22:00 PM	Although the bush follows the same standards, they can be as much as two years behind in instruction compared to urban sites.
26.	10/14/2008 4:13:00 PM	that it's not working, especially in rural Alaska where, for years, teachers have dumbed down the curriculum and have told Native students they won't be going anywhere so what's the use? Schools fail to promote quality teachers and don't coordinate well with UA in the development of teachers for the classroom.
27.	10/14/2008 4:38:00 PM	Education needs enough funding that it is no longer a large headache and something that administrators have to watch closely, preventing them from spending more time on developing quality instruction.
28.	10/14/2008 4:53:00 PM	Education in Alaska is lacking major leadership. There is no vision for this state. Words on a piece of paper do not make the vision happen! Correspondence schools play a major role in Alaska but are not included in any major reforms. Why is that?
29.	10/14/2008 5:40:00 PM	We moved from a small rural school in an REAA to an urban area four years ago because there was very little oversight over the REAA school. The teachers basically did what they wanted with no adminstrative oversight or guidance. I asked to see the curriculum once, just to see what they were SUPPOSED to be doing, and no one in the school even knew where to find a copy. What is guiding the teachers if they don't even know where a copy of the curriculum is? It was ridiculous.
30.	10/14/2008 7:05:00 PM	As a parent, I have been very pleased with the education my two children have received in Rural Alaska. They have received individual attention and education because of small numbers. They are also very technologically skilled.
31.	10/14/2008 10:55:00 PM	good educational system
32.	10/15/2008 6:28:00 AM	Alaskan education can and should be the best in the world.
33.	10/15/2008 8:35:00 AM	terrible
34.	10/15/2008 5:03:00 PM	Challenging
35.	10/15/2008 5:23:00 PM	That it is the most fulfilling, most heart-breaking profession in the world. Test scores are not as important as self-esteem. Perhaps success could also be measured in the lack of suicides.
36.	10/15/2008 5:28:00 PM	We have added so much extra paper work and changed so many programs that the teachers are really having a struggle trying to teach and get every thing expected of them done. There is no more time in the day to do the fun things - music, art, etc, - in our district!
37.	10/15/2008 5:30:00 PM	It's not done very well here in the Northwest Arctic Borough School District!
38.	10/15/2008 5:36:00 PM	Let's talk about the real issues. Alcohol and lack of high standards in rural Alaska hurts everyone. Though schools are punished for graduation rate, the parents and villages MUST take the lead on keeping students in school.
39.	10/15/2008 6:03:00 PM	The challenges of educating our native children are great, especially in meeting NCLB requirements while promoting their culture at the same time.
40.	10/15/2008 6:05:00 PM	I believe that Alaska should have a very high quality of education. We have the funds, we have the facilities, we need to be better organized and focused on providing an appropriate education for all students, not just the students falling behind.
41.	10/15/2008 6:19:00 PM	We need to have high expectations and be consistent with those high expectations.
42.	10/15/2008 6:23:00 PM	NCLB is forcing our district and school administrators to focus efforts and resources into school improvement programs (MAP testing, AIMSweb, etc.) that have no positive impact on learning and encumber the education process. Schools also have much greater reason to focus on "nearly proficient" students than on those who are far below proficient or have already reached proficiency.
43.	10/15/2008 6:33:00 PM	increase pay to teachers and hire the best teachers you can
44.	10/15/2008 6:41:00 PM	It has provided a fine life for me as an educator and for my children, they have had a great education.
45.	10/15/2008 6:44:00 PM	NEED MORE TEACHERS FOR MORE OR A VARIETY OF COURSES INSTEAD OF TEACHERS TEACHING OTHER SUBJECTS NOT IN THEIR FIELD.
46.	10/15/2008 7:03:00 PM	In the years to come, we will not only be run by, but taken over by the students you now see in the schools. To me, that is empowering and reassuring knowing that we as a state, are training our own to run and elect and teach the people we raise. Not only does it take a community to raise a child, that child is then able to give back to that same community that helped raise him or her. If we keep improving ourselves, we are then able to improve our schools and our school districts to a point where as a whole, the State of Alaska will be a great place for our people. If we keep on with the bad, that is what we will reap. Like the saying goes "We reap what we sow." We need to believe that concept and either change the bad to the good, or continue with the good. Eventually we will get to a better understanding and finally get to pride ourselves in our accomplishments and dreams.
47.	10/15/2008 7:21:00 PM	some classes taught in rural school have been the same for ten years. Rural schools are behind urban school is education in Alaska and Alaska overall is behind the US in education. AIMS web, state testing, writing assessments, MAP and any other test takes to much time away from instruction. We are teaching to pass a teach and not to obtain knowledge. School is not fun for the kids anymore because it is all about testing.
48.	10/15/2008 7:29:00 PM	We need to get back to teaching and away from making excuses why students aren't making achievement progress.
49.	10/15/2008 7:58:00 PM	From my experience, the administration of the schools and quality of the teachers are excellent and highly professional.
50.	10/15/2008 8:08:00 PM	I believe student scores are low in Alaska not because of lacking instruction or quality of teachers. Scores decline because of the social issues facing Alaskan families and communities. Students often arrive at school lacking adequate sleep and proper nutrition. Community programs ought to focus on parenting skills and the importance of regular school attendance. "No child left behind" should be replaced with "no teacher left to blame." Let's bring "practical" learning back to school.
51.	10/15/2008 8:18:00 PM	It varies widely depending on the community you are in.
52.	10/15/2008 8:37:00 PM	Too much testing and focus on NCLB
53.	10/15/2008 8:39:00 PM	try to keep teachers - need to raise teacher pay
54.	10/15/2008 8:41:00 PM	Have you ever looked at a primer book and test of what a first, third, sixth and eighth grader from the early 19th century was expected to know? Have you then asked yourself what is the difference between today and yesteryear? We need to go back and pick up what we lost! Let's be the first state in the USA to voluntarily let go of federal education dollars that are causing the dumbing down of our children. If it isn't good for our kids, lets not give it to them. Let's do it ourselves.
55.	10/15/2008 9:08:00 PM	I believe we are at a most critical time. In the next decade, we will either lose public education entirely, or we will grow into the flexible, integrated, meaningful system we must be to thrive. It truly is up to us.
56.	10/15/2008 9:56:00 PM	It is challenging and frustrating when you see so much potential in so many students, but yet they do not have the motivation or will to aspire to their full potential. They do not see a reason to come to school.
57.	10/15/2008 10:16:00 PM	That it has a long way to go before it's consistently successful across the board. Alaska's education system is young and the respect of education, at least public, is not in the rural areas yet therefore there is a long way to go.
58.	10/15/2008 11:15:00 PM	One size does not fit all. Many students could graduate Junior year. We are not offering much in the way of challenges to them. Those that go on to college are often bored the first year as they have taken several "college" classes senior year. We need to move them on as they are ready. Why hold them back, giving them a year off to work and kind of take college classes during their senior year? Let them go to college when they are ready.
59.	10/15/2008 11:18:00 PM	Set the standard high, people will achieve at the level required of them. If it is set to long as now the diploma means nothing.
60.	10/15/2008 11:44:00 PM	Let teachers teach.
61.	10/15/2008 11:51:00 PM	there is no importance put upon education in the bush
62.	10/16/2008 2:35:00 AM	This is my third year teaching in Alaska. It gets a little easier every year. My first year was very difficult because the district I worked for (I'm no longer there by the way) kept the new teachers in the dark about the realities of living and teaching in the bush. What's worse, we were actually given a great deal of misinformation. I've been to two first-of-the-year new teacher inservices. Unfortunately, I've yet to work in a district where I thought the district adequately prepared the teachers for life in the bush.
63.	10/16/2008 6:40:00 AM	Education in Alaska is very complex. Speaking only to education in rural Alaska, we have significant challenges to overcome. One big challenge is that we are attempting with limited success to fit a Western institution into Native culture. We are trying to prepare students for colleges that they are not going to attend and jobs that do not exist in our communities. To compound the challenges, we have heaped on NCLB accountability requirements that have caused school administrators to eliminate the very classes that students enjoyed coming to school to attend. We are bombarding our elementary children with hours of reading, writing, and math, to the exclusion of hands-on science activities, PE, recess, music, and art. Additionally, we have virtually eliminated meaningful vocational activities and courses in the upper grades. While it is imperative that our students leave school with skills to meet with success, we are killing the spirits of our teachers and students. Teachers are losing the joy of teaching, and students have lost the joy of learning. We also have the severe problem of students coming to school sleep deprived and malnourished. They are staying up into the wee hours of the night playing video games, watching movies, and in some cases just trying to survive in a home filled with domestic violence, sexual abuse, drugs, and alcohol. Suicide and untimely deaths have resulted in a cycle of grief that never ends. Our youth are self-medicating with drugs and alcohol, as modeled by the adults in their lives. We have students who fall asleep in class, fall asleep while taking the HSGQE exam, and fall asleep while taking the SBAs. It is not because they don't care; it's because they are sleep deprived. We have challenges with student attendance, student behavior problems, student motivation, teen pregnancy, and dropouts. We can walk into some of our schools and literally pick out students with FAS/FAE. We have a high percentage of Alaska Native students who are English Language Learners. Native cultures are struggling to keep their Native language from becoming extinct and are putting pressure on the schools to keep the language alive. What we have seen happen is that our kids are simply not becoming proficient in any language. Those are my thoughts. That's what I would like for you to know about education in Alaska, particularly rural Alaska.
64.	10/16/2008 10:42:00 AM	It can be improved in every school. Every single employee needs to understand their role in the education of every child: that they are caretaking and shaping the future of individuals and what a serious responsibility that places on them to access and advocate for all opportunities to develop each child's potential.
65.	10/16/2008 3:27:00 PM	This is a wonderful place to teach. I have a great opportunity to make a difference in the lives of an entire community.
66.	10/16/2008 4:01:00 PM	There's a big disparity between the schools across the state
67.	10/16/2008 4:52:00 PM	I appreciate being able to do this survey.
68.	10/16/2008 5:54:00 PM	There is a huge disparity between urban and rural districts. Rural districts face much greater challenges to provide the same level of education to students but with less resources to do it. This gap needs to be addressed in resources and training, etc.
69.	10/16/2008 6:42:00 PM	Funding is important, especially for places in rural Alaska where expenses are so much higher than in the cities.
70.	10/16/2008 6:54:00 PM	I am very worried about education in bush Alaska. There seems to be an out of site, out of mind attitude. No one wants to address or confront the cultural issues and the accountability of the school districts is minimal. There are consistently failing schools, outrageous teacher turnover rates, misappropriation of funds, and yet it continues. The other issue that is worrisome is teacher salaries. They do not match the high cost of living in Alaska. With gas prices, heating fuel, and groceries, it is a daily struggle for teachers to make ends meet.
71.	10/16/2008 8:33:00 PM	Keep asking questions. Do thing that are important to the students. Take some hard steps and impact parents and families in some way. Wish I could figure that one out. Work with other agencies to enforce no smoking, curfews, etc. so that students realize the impact their decisions have upon them and that rules are good and for the betterment of society and that society will enforce rules, not just do them lip service. Get past the politics and posturing and make an impact that is innovative and forward thinking.
72.	10/16/2008 9:51:00 PM	Education needs to function as a part of the community and reflect the desires and aspirations of that community.
73.	10/17/2008 12:09:00 AM	We will never give up on students as long as we consider every program through the function of "what is best for all children".
74.	10/17/2008 5:08:00 AM	The post secondary schools show prejudice towards village students.
75.	10/17/2008 7:23:00 AM	We have the capacity internal to do great things, we are doing great things that need to be continued, and we need to align these efforts under a vision and plan. AK needs to clearly define the role of State Board Members.
76.	10/17/2008 4:10:00 PM	Let the teachers do their jobs.
77.	10/17/2008 4:14:00 PM	There are too few options for gifted and talented or extended learning students. These students are falling through the cracks, frustrated and bored. These students have unique learning needs and huge potential but are not supported in our system (Juneau).
78.	10/17/2008 5:29:00 PM	I have two children that went through the education system in Alaska. One did very well because he was self motivated and was easily engaged by the teaching he was offered. My other child did not do so well. She needed teachers that did not 'stand and deliver' instruction in the same way day after day. I'm hopeful there will be discussion at the Ed Summit about how to get the most effective instruction for all of our children throughout their lives - from early childhood to post secondary. Thank you for the opportunity to provide input. I wish you well and look forward to the outcome.
79.	10/17/2008 8:47:00 PM	We are a diverse state with many unique areas and situations to address. I believe that teachers, paras, and administrators should be proud of what they do for students in these areas and situations. Our educational system is not perfect and there is always room for improvement which I think Alaskan educators try to do.
80.	10/17/2008 10:14:00 PM	Investment in early learning needs to be a component of an overall education plan. If we can catch children earlier who are struggling, we will have better outcomes for our children.
81.	10/17/2008 10:57:00 PM	That without a common vision to unite us - which I believe needs to be grounded in high expectations for all students - our diverse efforts will be a mile wide and an inch deep, and accomplish little.
82.	10/18/2008 1:25:00 AM	Education of our children is an investment in the future, and investing in early learning, birth to school entry, is economic development that pays the highest returns to society.
83.	10/18/2008 7:05:00 PM	Drugs and alcohol are ruining the lives of our precious children. When the parents are using, the children are not in a mental state to be able to learn. They have more serious things to worry about than reading, writing and math. When they are older and start using, they are even less likely to be able to learn. If you are really reading this, how can you HELP?
84.	10/18/2008 7:35:00 PM	Teachers and administrators spend more time working on non-relevant state and district testing and paperwork than on preparing for the teaching of children. This must stop and teachers need to get back to what they know and do best. TEACH.
85.	10/18/2008 11:54:00 PM	By and large it is pretty darned terrific. However, teacher contracts restrict ability to make needed changes, i.e., changing the school day----adding extended days, putting teachers on different time schedules, etc.
86.	10/19/2008 4:46:00 AM	more funding as districts are crippled by fuel prices and nclb. we are no longer competitive in recruiting teachers and the tier three trs is a joke.
87.	10/19/2008 7:50:00 AM	Alaska is a unique setting that brings rich culture into the classrooms. In the right setting, our children can prosper and excel.
88.	10/19/2008 5:35:00 PM	That we have talent locally and it needs to be honored, but yet held accountable.
89.	10/20/2008 1:45:00 AM	Lawmakers in Juneau need to really listen to educators in rural Alaska more.
90.	10/20/2008 6:16:00 PM	I have worked with teachers from all over the state and know firsthand how dedicated they are to their students. I am also optimistic about the young people of our state. I believe that the majority have dreams and aspirations for themselves that may surprise people who don't know them.
91.	10/20/2008 6:34:00 PM	It needs MAJOR rennovating!! We have to provide quality, researched based, education so that our students get the skills necessary to succeed in school.
92.	10/20/2008 8:53:00 PM	Many students are not geared for college and computers. We have many students who are very good, mechanics, plummers, or different trades. We need to support them and give them education in these fields.
93.	10/20/2008 9:02:00 PM	A standard program for every district and school will not work due to the diversity in our state.
94.	10/20/2008 9:55:00 PM	Needs to fun Go back to the basics and get rid of the New math. make school fun
95.	10/20/2008 10:30:00 PM	-the adoption of standards has been beneficial to student learning -the emphasis away from job related skills is unwise
96.	10/20/2008 10:31:00 PM	Regional learning centers for rural Alaska
97.	10/20/2008 11:34:00 PM	As a state, I don't think we've come to understand the significant role that culture plays in learning. We continue to employ mostly middle class Caucasian teachers who are unenlightened to their own cultural lens, let alone the lens through which others interpret the world. Until we gain this critical insight, talented and gifted children will continue to fail.
98.	10/20/2008 11:41:00 PM	We should be in the top 15 nationally.
99.	10/21/2008 12:44:00 AM	It has not been made a priority -NCLB has been. Our education system does not cater to the lifestyles, learning styles and values of ALASKA. Education as ususal will not work - look at the rural districts that have not met AYP. They have few CTE programs, few Tech Prep opportunities and few links to business & community for apprenticeships and interships. Student retention continues to drop. Let's make a mandatory commitment to a real, viable K-12 career exploratory program, support rigorous CTE & Tech Prep programs, offer alternative testing for those who score low for reasons other than ability and helps OUR kids make a connection to education- once again. Just because the Feds mandate something doesn't mean we shouldn't show them a better way - education as usual doesn't work for AK kids.
100.	10/21/2008 1:56:00 AM	Adding more resources and tougher rules for teachers to act upon along with parents being more involved in school events so that students can achieve a better life style and be more successful.
101.	10/21/2008 2:46:00 AM	I believe the timing is EXCELLENT for improvement in k-20 education, primarily with the selection of Larry Ledoux as commissioner. I believe he has already made great strides toward a better partnership with K-12 and the University. I believe SB241 requiring UA regents to give a report on teacher education and retention to be a positive thing.
102.	10/21/2008 4:42:00 AM	There is enough money, if it is spent wisely. In LKSD, we are dedicating too many funds to create a written curriculum for a spoken language. I would like to see all immersion language programs teach 1/2 day in the target language and be required to teach the other 1/2 day in English. Core subjects should be taught in English starting in kindergarten, which would make it easier for the students when they are tested. In LKSD, curriculum across the board was dumbed down when NCLB started. I have filled this out based on Bethel.
103.	10/21/2008 4:22:00 PM	I believe we have the opportunity in front of us to create a world class education system. We just have to take the risk and meet the challenges.
104.	10/21/2008 5:51:00 PM	Education was improving before NCLB. Now it is having the negative impacts.
105.	10/21/2008 6:11:00 PM	We have more resources than any state in the nation, yet on average, our education system is barely better than mediocre (with some pockets of excellence). We should find a way to channel more resources toward education -- not necessarily just money -- and focus the use to better ends. Each education summit gives me hope, and has moved us ahead, but it's hard to see the results trickle down to the local level in any way recognizable to the average parent or community member.
106.	10/21/2008 6:35:00 PM	I think it is above average.
107.	10/21/2008 6:39:00 PM	No Child Legislation and in particular the AYP expectations are not appropriate for most of Alaska's rural students. There is harm being done to schools and students as a result of that legislation.
108.	10/21/2008 6:46:00 PM	There is still an "invisible barrier" for Alaska Native students. It is so difficult to explain the pervasive, consistent and subtle nature of this bias, but it is real and serves to maintain the status quo for our Alaska Native students.
109.	10/21/2008 6:52:00 PM	To turn our schools around we will have to put the student first. Administration, facilities, schedules all have to work for the student instead of trying to fit the students into the molds of what we have. Almost daily I have to find ways to make the system work for the student when that shouldn't even be a question.
110.	10/21/2008 6:56:00 PM	Children have a right to education in their native language. We should stop exterminating native languages by testing only in English.
111.	10/21/2008 7:04:00 PM	I know it is hard work for all of us in the field as well as all of you. We just need to keep on keeping on (and get rid of NCLB)
112.	10/21/2008 7:10:00 PM	Given the challenges and campare to most other States we do a great job and have come a long way ina short peroid of time. We still have a long way to go to excellence.
113.	10/21/2008 7:12:00 PM	That with solid effort, excellent direct instruction, and follow through our students can succeed and be some of the top performers in the country. In order to do that, we as educators and stake holders will need to make some difficult and hard decisions to improve the overall quality of education within our state. The Summit is a good start, I think!
114.	10/21/2008 7:16:00 PM	A lot of talent exists in AK, small numbers and relatively good funding allow us to be a national leader
115.	10/21/2008 7:43:00 PM	I've taught in two standards-based rural communities and find that system to lead to student ownership for their learning, high-accountability for students and teachers and individualized learning and instruction.
116.	10/21/2008 7:46:00 PM	test4
117.	10/21/2008 8:22:00 PM	Let us make sure that we are keeping pace with urban areas in terms of offering the rigorous and challenging classes to students who are willing and eager to be challenged.
118.	10/21/2008 8:25:00 PM	I think we need to step it up. Teaching to the test is not creating learners. We need to educate our children for the world, not for the accountabllity (AYP)test for schools and teachers.
119.	10/21/2008 8:26:00 PM	We have unique opportunities to make impacts on our students and communities. This results in our students making impacts in our world.
120.	10/21/2008 8:27:00 PM	We need to keep growing our own university system and preparing students for it; we also need to do a more comprehensive job with early childhood education!
121.	10/21/2008 9:04:00 PM	Technology has had a huge impact on education. This generation is very different in the way they access information. Teachers need to be kept up to speed using these new tools.
122.	10/21/2008 9:14:00 PM	The amount of tests are taking away from instruction.
123.	10/21/2008 9:23:00 PM	Send kids the message, "Don't give up until that high school diploma is yours!" Attitudes about school are developed during infancy, make the message loud, clear and strong.
124.	10/21/2008 9:40:00 PM	Allow schools to try new programs and methods.
125.	10/21/2008 9:48:00 PM	The teachers do an awesome job and they are to be praised for doing lots with a little!
126.	10/21/2008 10:18:00 PM	I believe that we can find a solution for the sake of our youth.
127.	10/21/2008 10:41:00 PM	My four children are products of an Alaska education. It worked well for them.
128.	10/21/2008 10:48:00 PM	I think that most rural schools have greater (or at least different) challenges to face than city schools. Traditional ways can sometimes be a barrier for students who have to leave to attend city schools.
129.	10/21/2008 10:48:00 PM	There are good rural schools and St. Paul School is one of them. More credit should be given to the success of rural schools.
130.	10/21/2008 11:11:00 PM	In high poverty rural areas, Early Childhood education is essential. DEED needs to increase its staffing for support of districts not only for compliance. The NEA, University, DEED, and Districts need to work much more clasely togehter. Each of these entities now work in isolation from each other.
131.	10/21/2008 11:43:00 PM	The greatest challenge to education in Alaska is that many citizens and students alike see little value in it. Without a state-wide culture that sees education as a priority, little will change.
132.	10/21/2008 11:50:00 PM	Teachers in remote schools work hard and so do teachers in bigger schools. The work is taxing for both.
133.	10/22/2008 12:06:00 AM	Improvement is needed
134.	10/22/2008 12:23:00 AM	I would like to see dedicated and inspirational educators who reflect and have ownership in the community. It is becoming a paperwork glut :-(. Educators are too busy coming into compliance with paperwork requirements vs teaching students and being educational leaders.
135.	10/22/2008 12:24:00 AM	students should not be held to NCLB standards, when life is so different in bush Alaska. Good teachers have lost their job because of not meeting AYP, a reflection of students and community, not educators.
136.	10/22/2008 12:28:00 AM	Alaska has figured out that one size does not fit all; it is too bad that this is not the case nationally.
137.	10/22/2008 12:33:00 AM	I am in my 5th year of Bush teaching. I really appreciate the responsiveness of the state Ed dept--it means a lot to me that when I call, I can talk immediately to a person. I don't know what can be done for urban schools--any place with more than a few hundred kids is too big, in my opinion. Rural schools offer incredible opportunities for freedom in teaching and the ability to work one-on-one, but too many teachers try it and don't return, in large part because the administrations are not doing their jobs, or are actively concealing information. My first year I flew out to a remote island, replacing the first teacher who had lasted a week. The principal flew out with me, stayed two days, and then I didn't see him again until 6 months had passed. All teachers should be given reasons why they are non-retained--continuity is the most important element in Bush education. After too many teachers have rotated through, the kids learn to not trust adults, because they always leave.
138.	10/22/2008 12:52:00 AM	Much has been accomplished; even more is yet to be done! Those entrusted with formulating educational policies need to be highly aware that decisions made today will resonate in the future. When educating our children, we educate their minds and hearts and the future of our state. What kind of future does Alaska desire? Do we really believe that children are truly our most precious resource?
139.	10/22/2008 1:28:00 AM	I'm saddened by that teachers don't hold students to high standards, they don't challenge students. We moved here from California and my child who struggled in California is bored in class here, its too easy.
140.	10/22/2008 4:26:00 AM	We have a wonderful opportunity to provide engaging, broad scoped programs that reach every student no matter how they might learn. Programs that make kids excited about learning and working. The more we do that connects real life challenges with classroom training, the stronger, healther and happier our future citizens and workforce will be.
141.	10/22/2008 6:21:00 AM	I feel strongly about the quality of the teaching personnel in Alaska. I think that we can ask for and expect quality teachers. I see the Alaska Statewide Mentor Project and local mentoring efforts as making an in way toward quality teaching, but I see untrained and inadequate administrators hindering these efforts. Many teachers were unable to do their jobs because of inappropriate administrative stress, lack of supervision, lack of support for issues with students and families and teachers were floundering without adequate leadership at the local level and within the school district administration. This is an area that needs consistent focus and revised expectations.
142.	10/22/2008 7:39:00 AM	This is a rich state with many opportunities, however there remains a wide achievement gap. Those who are the most in need are often surrounded by the least experienced teachers and administrators and the least attractive curriculum. In Fairbanks, I feel very fortunate about the quality of education which my children have received. The high school has a wide array of choices and advanced classes. They have recently offered a "school within the school" model which seems to be effective. I wish all of Alaska's students could be so fortunate.
143.	10/22/2008 11:21:00 AM	Over all a good job is being done to educate the students, even though the rural schools have a hard time filling teacher positions
144.	10/22/2008 1:57:00 PM	If Alaska wants to attract and keep the best teachers for its children, salaries must increase and the retirement system must be fixed. New teachers need to be connected to each other so that they can know they are not alone in feeling the isolation so connected with many of their jobs. The Alaska Statewide Mentor program needs to be expanded so that each mentor can spend more time with the early career teachers. This is a valuable resource that is stretched too thin. And finally, I would like to see more interaction between post-secondary schools and K-12 and mentoring. We all have the same goal in mind-let's work together to reach it.
145.	10/22/2008 3:20:00 PM	I think the mentor program in Alaska should be adequately funded so the teachers that are new career teachers will have have the suport and professional growth they need.
146.	10/22/2008 4:34:00 PM	We have some great teachers and administrators that are working to implement NCLB laws with limited resources.
147.	10/22/2008 4:37:00 PM	Career and Technical Education is serving some students quite well in Alaska. Some students on the other hand have little access.
148.	10/22/2008 4:44:00 PM	I have taught in three school districts in Alaska. They have each had distinct problems, but all have had good intentions. It is interesting to me that the commitment and interest of students hasn't changed in all that time; it is still rare to find a student who takes charge of his/her education and reaches past what is required. With all our new technology and best practices we are still searching for that key to battling the culture of mediocrity.
149.	10/22/2008 4:50:00 PM	My children were born and raised here, attending rural schools and graduating in Fairbanks. They have been successful global citizens, learning languages, graduating with honors from college and pursuing careers of their choice. We need to find out why this is not the case for many of the students who sat next to them throughout those years.
150.	10/22/2008 4:58:00 PM	...
151.	10/22/2008 5:10:00 PM	I want to see more teachers held accountable for teaching our kids. If they are not meeting expectations, get them out. Put new teachers in. Performance evaluation for teachers is important.
152.	10/22/2008 5:17:00 PM	My children who all went through the Alaska school system are all attending college so for my children school was a success, but my children had good parental support and were on the upper end of the academic scales. So I worry about the dropouts and the kids that don't fit into the box.
153.	10/22/2008 5:26:00 PM	I would say that opportunities for students need to be focused on expectations of families and on community needs .
154.	10/22/2008 5:31:00 PM	districts using standards based approach rather than carnegie units are doing a disservice to their students. hsgqe is a joke. expectations are too low to be realistic. and i wonder if it is attempting to measure the right things for post-high school success.
155.	10/22/2008 5:35:00 PM	I love teaching in my little city by the sea and I love this Great Land. I am willing to dedicate my life to educating its people. I am very concerned that the trust I have put in my TRS/PERS accounts may be for naught when I am ready to retire. I am afraid Alaska won't "pay me back" and take care of me.
156.	10/22/2008 5:38:00 PM	Rural schools are going to be in trouble soon due to fuel costs.
157.	10/22/2008 5:39:00 PM	Energy costs are a big part of the budget in many of our schools.
158.	10/22/2008 5:49:00 PM	You can have all the pretty buildings and the newest technology if a child does not want to learn for whatever reason, that is a huge challenge for a teacher. If they dont show up they dont learn.
159.	10/22/2008 5:49:00 PM	Students just dont care about their school work. They need more encouragement from their parents.
160.	10/22/2008 5:51:00 PM	We need to be careful to not sacrifice higher order critical thinking skills, social skills, arts education, and recess so that students can be instructed in a way that will yield higher scores on testable skills.
161.	10/22/2008 5:54:00 PM	I appreciate the priority listing of the state legislature as of late, which has been putting education in the top spots.
162.	10/22/2008 6:00:00 PM	I have only been teaching two years in Sitka and do not know much else at all about schools in the rest of the state.
163.	10/22/2008 6:03:00 PM	It needs more funding
164.	10/22/2008 6:17:00 PM	Ak educational system faces a number of challenges, however too often the only solution offered is to throw more money at the problem. That has not worked to date.
165.	10/22/2008 6:22:00 PM	That Alaska continues to do a dis service to our Native children and it will not change until we have Alaska Native teachers. Many of our students do better at alternative schools, which are underfunded and understaffed.
166.	10/22/2008 6:28:00 PM	Want schools to be drug and violence free, our students to feel safe. Some of our children go to school hungry and has a difficult time learning, I am so thankful for our district for serving breakfast and lunch. Right now some students pray at home but when they practice their faith during school, it is mocked and having prayers in school would stop this from happening and bring students together.
167.	10/22/2008 6:32:00 PM	As a state, Alaska is doing a fine job K-12. Let's extend that to early childhood and the university experience.
168.	10/22/2008 6:37:00 PM	Too much time and energy is spent "teaching to the test", doing a great disservice to our brightest kids. I would also like to see the important role parents play in sending their kids to school ready to learn and enhancing that learning at home be recognized and honored. Rewarding teachers and staff only for test score achievement is a slap in the face to dedicated parents. I also disagree with that policy of monetary rewards - let's pay teachers what they are worth to begin with!
169.	10/22/2008 6:56:00 PM	We really need to implement the longstanding research on culturally responsive and/or place-based education.
170.	10/22/2008 7:10:00 PM	I don't.
171.	10/22/2008 7:16:00 PM	nothing
172.	10/22/2008 7:25:00 PM	Education in the Bush is rip-off. We don't learn as good as Urban studants. we graduate with low levels.
173.	10/22/2008 7:27:00 PM	That most schools in the little villages really aren't doing good.
174.	10/22/2008 7:28:00 PM	that i feel i will be really successful when i graduate
175.	10/22/2008 7:29:00 PM	It is good for the most part except the rural students are not achieving or being prepared for their future - whatever that might be.
176.	10/22/2008 7:30:00 PM	That you guys are challenging us a little to hard.
177.	10/22/2008 7:36:00 PM	It feels like we are making progress and I am excited to see what the next years hold for education in Alaska. Bringing groups together and continuing to individualize and increase what we are able to offer children and families are both key to our success.
178.	10/22/2008 7:38:00 PM	Great programs! Great resources! The thing is to get the word out! Let people know through as many ways as possible what's avaliable to students and their families.
179.	10/22/2008 7:44:00 PM	Fund it fully. Fix its retirement. Acknowledge the the high qualilty of its educators. Pay teachers. Eliminate "Choice education" and place the emphasis back into pulic schools.
180.	10/22/2008 7:49:00 PM	I am extremely disappointed in the Sitka school district's elementary curriculum. It does not allow more advanced students (not gifted - just more advanced) to grow. They are tied to what the teacher has to teach. Too much time is spent on local history and salmon - every year (K-3) two months are spent learning the same material.
181.	10/22/2008 7:58:00 PM	Invest in it!
182.	10/22/2008 8:03:00 PM	For the most part, I believe it's one of the best. I would like to see more vocational education classes for the non-college bound students in the rural areas, so they may receive training that may help them afterwards.
183.	10/22/2008 8:22:00 PM	Education in Alaska can be hard sometimes. And for some other people can be easy.
184.	10/22/2008 8:22:00 PM	Increase per-pupil expenditure.
185.	10/22/2008 8:24:00 PM	How many students in Alaska have or had to go school? how many drop out?
186.	10/22/2008 8:33:00 PM	Having education in Alaska is great.
187.	10/22/2008 8:34:00 PM	The education in Alaska doesn't have enough life skills.
188.	10/22/2008 8:35:00 PM	nothig
189.	10/22/2008 8:39:00 PM	that you have to extend lunches and more time to get to class
190.	10/22/2008 8:42:00 PM	Just the same thing that some of the teachers are holding back some of us students, and we are trying very hard to Graduate, and come to School on time.
191.	10/22/2008 8:42:00 PM	Mostly I worry about my children with special needs. Getting them through the day to day problems at school, not enough aids, balancing services (being pulled out of classes for PT, OT, Speech...), and then long term worries will they graduate (can they pass the test required) are the classes they take really what they need for everyday life...finding a job
192.	10/22/2008 8:47:00 PM	Education in Alaska is great.
193.	10/22/2008 8:51:00 PM	Alaska schools have a really problem with bullying.
194.	10/22/2008 8:52:00 PM	It is useful, it gets you to where you want to be in your career.
195.	10/22/2008 8:54:00 PM	Overall is it on the right track.
196.	10/22/2008 8:59:00 PM	It is excellent given the system it must work in. However, the educational system is flawed in it's assessments.
197.	10/22/2008 9:17:00 PM	It is doing well but can still improve.
198.	10/22/2008 9:22:00 PM	All in all my children are doing great. My daughter graduated in 2003. She is working on her Masters Degree (Speech/lang) in Oregon. Son is doing great in Junior year at Moscow Idaho. My children are a success story. Parent Involvement is a must!!!!!!!! All the way through.
199.	10/22/2008 9:30:00 PM	We need to do more thinking out of the box for our rural and remote schools. With current and future technology, we have lots of options. Students need to be acknowledged for who they are and offered learning environments that arouse their interest and efforts.
200.	10/22/2008 9:51:00 PM	We need to concentrate more on the children in the Bush. NCLB is ruining their education, with concentration on test taking rather than on real education. NCLB is having a negative effect on our children, especially the most needy.
201.	10/22/2008 10:25:00 PM	We have world-class teachers and amazing students. We are all being held back by Federal madates that go unfunded. We are constantly being asked to do more with less. All of society's ills can be corrected in the classroom. An educated populace doesn't need welfare, and it's certainly cheaper to build schools than jails. Alaska's kids deserve better. Politicians say, you can't just throw money at the problem, but I say, let's try throwing money at the problem, just once. Teachers appreciate the increase in school funding, but that small percentage doesn't make up for the years of backsliding Alaska's schools did as we were underfunded. There is still much to be done.
202.	10/22/2008 10:36:00 PM	I appreciate all the commited teaches and the cleanliness of the buildings It seems the custodians take pride in the buildings.
203.	10/22/2008 10:36:00 PM	Too much of our organization is too far removed from the kids.
204.	10/22/2008 10:37:00 PM	Smaller class sizes would be best way to improve our schools.
205.	10/22/2008 10:40:00 PM	I feel that my child should be able to chose to prepare himself academically as well as vocationally the real world in Alaska needs smart and trained citizens.
206.	10/22/2008 11:02:00 PM	I would like to take my child out of public kindergarten and start a democratic free school.
207.	10/22/2008 11:05:00 PM	the students in the rural communities need to be more prepared for the outside world and not be so sheltered.
208.	10/22/2008 11:13:00 PM	We are in a teacher and administrator shortage. This is where learning takes place and achievement happens. We must work to attract and retain quality educators.
209.	10/22/2008 11:15:00 PM	Vocational education should compromise 70% of the high school graduates. Current budget and thinking is that 99% of students should be focused upon going to college. Therefore there is no money or program for vocational education within this state.
210.	10/22/2008 11:21:00 PM	The state has billions in surplus. Why do we have to fundraise, cut teachers positions, and cut all of our music, art, PE, voc ed programs so we can provide our children with a basic education? We need preschool funding!
211.	10/22/2008 11:37:00 PM	Don't give up and remember that over half the students do not go to or complete college, more vocational things. You have college fairs why not vocational fairs?
212.	10/22/2008 11:55:00 PM	Our 3 kids received a great educational start here in Anchorage. Two of the kids now have graduate school degrees and the third one is starting his program next fall. So, our system is successful for some kids and their families. It needs to meet the needs of more kids and their families.
213.	10/23/2008 12:02:00 AM	Education in Alaska has came a long way in the last forty-five years, with more local control, better prepared teachers, and a greater concern for the success of the rural students who do not wish to leave home in their teen years to obtain an education. We do need to make the education system in the bush more equitable.
214.	10/23/2008 12:14:00 AM	Not sure pretty much said everything there. Lunches are more and more expensive and less and less satisfying. Bureaucracy is a crutch that no one wants, but is superglued to your armpit. End of story.
215.	10/23/2008 12:18:00 AM	Not only do we have alot to offer educators that come here with our locations and that we learn together.
216.	10/23/2008 12:31:00 AM	I think our education system is good. Unfortunately, the family support system is failing our students in many cases.
217.	10/23/2008 12:47:00 AM	It made me well prepared for undergraduate studies both in and out of state.
218.	10/23/2008 1:20:00 AM	I wish education was valued in all of Alaska. I wish that parents in all villages supported education, helped their children to attend school every day, get to school on time, and do homework when needed.
219.	10/23/2008 1:22:00 AM	I pretty much voiced my opinion in the my answer to question 12
220.	10/23/2008 2:07:00 AM	I love Volleyball!
221.	10/23/2008 2:26:00 AM	We have the potential to be a leader in this nation if we take advantage of the resources available to us.
222.	10/23/2008 2:41:00 AM	In general, I believe our education is good. I believe there needs to be much more additional support (human in the forms of aides, counselors, etc.) to areas/schools who serve a population with many discipline and behavior issues.
223.	10/23/2008 3:30:00 AM	get it out from under the us dept of uneducation
224.	10/23/2008 3:51:00 AM	The teachers are working so hard! Can't the state support professional development by bringing teachers together to colaborate and solve problems?
225.	10/23/2008 4:02:00 AM	I have traveled to many areas of the State. Attendance is a huge issue in all schools that I visited. We will not come close to achieving "no child left behind" until we tie parents into the plan! I would also like control of the rural schools taken away from local school boards. We are in remote areas and people elected to the boards are not necessarily educated in the ways of education OR of running multi-million dollar organizations. I see money being spent frivolously in areas that have little bearing on the education of our young.
226.	10/23/2008 4:29:00 AM	Teacher turnover is too high Teachers need more time for professional development opportunities Its more costly to operate schools in rural Alaska Staff development is hard to keep going because of the high teacher turnover It is hard to track students in rural Alaska because expertise in entering data is hard because of administrator turn over
227.	10/23/2008 4:56:00 AM	Parents need to be reached out to. If a child does not have parents support that student needs to have an adult in there lives that cares for their education.
228.	10/23/2008 4:58:00 AM	Overall my experience with my own children is very positive. They are very successful adults and have positive attitudes toward education. Professionally it is disappointing that overall the attitude of the community is not supportive of education and it seems that most are willing to settle for mediocre rather than push for better.
229.	10/23/2008 5:05:00 AM	That a very high priority should be given to fostering,recruiting and retaining Alaska Native staff at all levels but particularly in the teaching and administrative cadres.
230.	10/23/2008 5:16:00 AM	Tell you what you already know? That quality early childhood education makes a difference in a child's success in school and life and that the education in Alaska is not providing it. That context and development matter in a child's success in school. That our drop out, push out rates are shameful and disgusting. That many children feel hopeless and betrayed. That many good teachers have been simply worn down to nothing and have given up. That values don't seem to matter that only the AYP or the test scores do.
231.	10/23/2008 5:28:00 AM	Education in Alaska has many more challenges than other states. The uniqueness of our geographic region and the diversity present additional challenges.
232.	10/23/2008 5:32:00 AM	Overall I'm satisfied with the quality of education in Alaska.
233.	10/23/2008 5:38:00 AM	It's unique.
234.	10/23/2008 5:41:00 AM	-- It needs more to be forward funded -- Should focus on involving an entire family in a child's education -- Hold parents accountable
235.	10/23/2008 6:16:00 AM	I have two young children. For me the increasing cost and limited options of childcare (for my 3-year-old) and after school care (for my 6-year-old) is more of a crisis than energy. 1/4 of my monthly take home salary goes to pay for childcare and after school care.
236.	10/23/2008 9:00:00 AM	Sick of stereotyping our children.
237.	10/23/2008 12:25:00 PM	The push toward technology is vital!
238.	10/23/2008 1:35:00 PM	Education in Alaska has enormous potential with so many opportunities for hands on experimentation. I know that relates more towards Math and Science, but it is a huge advantage to be able to read about something and also experience it. Implementation is the key. You must have invigorated self motivators leading kids through these impressionable years.
239.	10/23/2008 3:29:00 PM	Educators in Alaska face unique situations, different challenges and rewards than anywhere in the Nation.
240.	10/23/2008 3:31:00 PM	I've said it.
241.	10/23/2008 3:54:00 PM	There are ares that can be improved that would greatly more prepare our youth for the world of work.
242.	10/23/2008 3:59:00 PM	I am concerned about the funding that school districts like Nome recieve when their city will not provide efficent funding.
243.	10/23/2008 4:16:00 PM	I see a recycling of the same issues and same solutions, and little systemic change for the betterment.
244.	10/23/2008 4:19:00 PM	There are students and teachers that want to work together, but they are few and far between the students who don't want to be there.
245.	10/23/2008 4:25:00 PM	With high turn over rates of t eahers in the bush it is very difficult for teachers and students alike to have continuity and make progress on the standards and make AYP
246.	10/23/2008 4:26:00 PM	Don't lower the standards, fund them!
247.	10/23/2008 4:30:00 PM	See above. State lawmakers need to decide what the main purpose of education funding is; education or economic stability of rural areas. Tough decisions with far reaching implications.
248.	10/23/2008 4:31:00 PM	All of this discussion is moot if we can't figure out a way to get parents more involved.
249.	10/23/2008 4:34:00 PM	Use the resources to correct the damage rather than to deepen it.
250.	10/23/2008 4:39:00 PM	need more funding in rural areas
251.	10/23/2008 4:40:00 PM	I am learning that there is tremendous promise in mining collaborative structures such as communities of practice and networked learning. These structures, now used commonly in business settings, are seen to produce new knowledge that can be used to address contextualized problems. We need to begin to rely on and trust the wisdom among us as well as engage in rigorous research around Alaska-style education.
252.	10/23/2008 4:44:00 PM	Keeping quality teachers in rural areas continues to plague the state. There are no quick fixes. It is unreasonable to assume "outsiders" will fill the need, and schemes to lessen standards for teachers in those areas ultimately will lead to failure. Undergraduate secondary teacher prep programs would seem to better serve those areas than only the post-baccalaureate programs currently offered by our colleges.
253.	10/23/2008 4:48:00 PM	Education in rural Alaska is first class for a general education without any frills (like alternative educational opportunities, advanced classes)
254.	10/23/2008 4:53:00 PM	We need more vocational programs in the villages.
255.	10/23/2008 4:55:00 PM	don't really know
256.	10/23/2008 4:56:00 PM	I dont know
257.	10/23/2008 4:57:00 PM	its not like californias educational program, but what alaska has to offer is a good education and fun high school years.
258.	10/23/2008 4:59:00 PM	the education in alaska is good but not that good at the sametime
259.	10/23/2008 5:00:00 PM	I think our education is pretty good. Every year more than five students graduate in every school. The school that I am going to is pretty good. My teachers modivate me to do more work.
260.	10/23/2008 5:04:00 PM	idk
261.	10/23/2008 5:06:00 PM	I know that our school is like, the lowest and has the cheapest points in the district but the students are doing their best to try and lift those points for our school.
262.	10/23/2008 5:06:00 PM	Its going good
263.	10/23/2008 5:22:00 PM	If you are a caucasian, of middle class or higher socioeconomic standing, your chances of succeeding in our current system are high. It not, it is sadly more of a struggle.
264.	10/23/2008 5:23:00 PM	I think it is in trouble. Parents are not doing their part. Schools are asked to do way more than is reasonable, because no where else in the community can get anything done. I'm glad to be near retirement.
265.	10/23/2008 5:37:00 PM	I do not believe the QUALITY of education has been improved by the focus on "raising students' test scores."
266.	10/23/2008 5:52:00 PM	I find lack of discipline seems to hamper education but since that starts in the home it is hard to expect the teachers to instill this but would prefer stricter quieter classrooms.
267.	10/23/2008 5:56:00 PM	Some villages have more education than others.
268.	10/23/2008 5:57:00 PM	The education is good i guess
269.	10/23/2008 6:02:00 PM	Keep up the focus on how to do better and provide support for graduation success
270.	10/23/2008 6:03:00 PM	Well that it is so very important, and it's kind of exiting to learn new things, and that it is just very awesome to be knowing certain or cool things
271.	10/23/2008 6:05:00 PM	I beleive in the vital role of public education in Alaska. However, as an educator and a parent, I see a decline in the academic rigor presented to students in my area. Mainstreaming all students and a half-hearted push toward co-teaching to meet diverse student needs is a detriment to public schools. I am concerned that we are neglecting our gifted populations.
272.	10/23/2008 6:07:00 PM	Educational qualities vary from towns,villages, and cities. There should be educational programs specially set for the finer points of that habitat.
273.	10/23/2008 6:08:00 PM	I like the education that I am getting because it is just a little bit challenging.
274.	10/23/2008 6:09:00 PM	it's okay for this area.but its good in other places
275.	10/23/2008 6:10:00 PM	It's going okay for this area, but also good in other parts of alaska that I visited.
276.	10/23/2008 6:15:00 PM	i would like to tell you about our education in Alaska it is good because i could learn alot of things in one class
277.	10/23/2008 6:16:00 PM	i want to tell you about education in math class it is kinda hard because i have a crazy teacher
278.	10/23/2008 6:18:00 PM	I would like schools to be measured by the success of their students (GEDs, Apprenticeships, Diplomas) and the support they offer their students after graduation, not just by graduation rate. Often in small schools, those numbers are skewed.
279.	10/23/2008 6:18:00 PM	I have been a teacher in both rural and urban Alaska. Every one of those kids needs a chance to succeed. Without special programs targeting young children and children of impoverished or diverse backgrounds, we will never have the later success of high school graduation rates.
280.	10/23/2008 6:24:00 PM	AS LONG AS THE PEOPLE VOTE FOR IMPROVEMENT FOR ALL THE SCHOOLS AND TEACHING STANDARDS ARE UP TO DATE, THINGS SHOULD BE OK.
281.	10/23/2008 6:25:00 PM	If we provide Pre-K services that they are not adjusted Kindergarten or first grade classrooms, but they are reflective of what current early childhood research demonstrates that four year old children require for an appropriate education for their age.
282.	10/23/2008 6:29:00 PM	education is good for you it can get you any job.
283.	10/23/2008 6:35:00 PM	Support teachers with funding and training. Support schools with funding. It is crazy to see pfd money given to families who spend their children's money on alcohol, cars, televisions, etc and be one of the worst paying school systems in the nation. We need to support our teachers and schools more.
284.	10/23/2008 6:38:00 PM	I think the canned curriculum choices that are made for children in the pre-K - 3rd grades do not support the construction of sound knowledge bases in reading, writing and math. I also feel that the lower pre-k - K needs to be revised so that the curriculum is based on play, social development, problem-solving and development of community within the classroom. With these in place, the 3 areas of reading, writing and math will develop naturally and appropriately with support. Additionally, with the proposals for universal preschool for 4 year olds, I would suggest more provisions for the people working with them to be properly trained in the areas of early childhood, not just feel they are appropriate because they have a teaching certificate.
285.	10/23/2008 6:39:00 PM	I love the cultural sharing and diversity that our students experience everyday. I love the dedication of teachers which is I would say true at least 90% of the time.
286.	10/23/2008 6:42:00 PM	nothing
287.	10/23/2008 6:43:00 PM	That they aren't giving us hard enough work. Some students transfer to other schools because they think that they aren't getting enough learning at our school. They move to more educated and more optioned schools.
288.	10/23/2008 6:43:00 PM	I'm frustrated that I have an "advanced" kid that is being left to his own devices because they've got too many resource people working with kids that don't have standard abilities...Why not have a CLASS for these kids and resource people for the kids that are GOING TO GET BORED in school? If my kid gets bored because we're focussing on all these kids whose parents never sang the ABC's then I will blame YOU!
289.	10/23/2008 6:44:00 PM	Sorely lacking. I know people who have left the state and their children were considered "behind" and not meeting age level requirements in the elementary schools
290.	10/23/2008 6:44:00 PM	THAT THERE IS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT AND TO OFFER MORE FUNDING FOR RURAL EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
291.	10/23/2008 6:52:00 PM	OUR students, unlike those in the "lower 48", have access to many exciting opportunties that can prepare them for life; if they would only take advantage of them. We could actually have the most productive, most successful adults in the world. I would love to see a "real" committee or board that deals with "real" educational issues! We need to have people who have a "can-do", "win-win" attitude about kids, and not people who sugar coat things to save their "paid positions".
292.	10/23/2008 6:56:00 PM	Thank you for taking time.
293.	10/23/2008 7:04:00 PM	Thank you for looking to the future and investing in our children!
294.	10/23/2008 7:05:00 PM	Education in Alaska does not fit the lower-48 mold. NCLB and its mandates do not work for us.
295.	10/23/2008 7:10:00 PM	Early Childhood education works. For each of my children, it worked in a different way. What I mean by this is, one got more out of the socialization education, one got more out of Kindergarten preparation, and the last got more out of the speech therapy offered by school district in partnership with Head Start.
296.	10/23/2008 7:22:00 PM	That NCLB is one of the most insidious instruments of institutionalizing racism that exists in the state. My goodness, the commissioner is on record saying that we have to stop the tide of rural native families moving to Anchorage.(because of the economy) .... that's really because life in rural Alaska is not culturally mainstream and NCLB is absolutely mainstream western culture. Rural Alaska is struggling with AYP, and if the "tide of migration" doesn't stop, Anchorage will be faced with the same struggle trying to reconcile culture with national standards. Rural students do not live the same lives as urban students. Some pieces are better, some pieces are harder.This state has to decide if they want to be state of Anchorage, or state of Alaska.
297.	10/23/2008 7:22:00 PM	There is a disconnect between early childhood and the public school system - ideally, early childhood education programs are where the foundations for school success and lifelong learning are constructed.
298.	10/23/2008 7:34:00 PM	Each school district in Alaska struggles with localized issues. There needs to be adequate school funding provided to districts to enable them to deal with these issues. This means a well thought out funding formula that takes into account the differing costs and the educational challenges present in each district and each school within a district.
299.	10/23/2008 7:43:00 PM	teachers are great and need more support, especially when it comes to recruiting the next generation teachers and out of staters-need better benefit system and/or commensurate pay increases
300.	10/23/2008 7:44:00 PM	Cultural competency is not adequate in the schools,more of the Native students should be given the opportunity to utilize their language in the classrooms. More Native students will be moving to the cities due to cost of living in their villages. We will see a decline in the Native languages if we don't try to preserve what the students already have when they enter the school systems.
301.	10/23/2008 8:14:00 PM	It is not the statistics regarding students in the sytem being tracked through test scores, grauation rates, dropout rates, etc. that concern me, it is the number of school age children in Alaska that are not even being educated. Children and that are not een in the system to be tracked. I don;t meanhomeshooled children, I mean children who have dropped out entirely from being eduated. Look at the number of school ag children vs. the number school age children int he system. Thousand may be outsde the system and not being educated. Scary.
302.	10/23/2008 8:19:00 PM	Sad but true that we have done so much for the No Child Left Behind in the sense of making accommodations for specials needs/handicaps, that we have forgotten there are children who are gifted, but receiving little if any extra measures for their education. Example: 2nd grader in Nome, brilliant, but no additional tutor or guidance received. WRONG!
303.	10/23/2008 8:24:00 PM	Again, being a Public Assistance employee, I feel that the Assistance program MUST make mandatory the attendance at school. If parents do nOT send their kids to school, no public assistance...you will feed the kids at school. The adults MUST be FORCED to get their children to school.
304.	10/23/2008 8:43:00 PM	MY CHILDS HIGHSCHOOL WAS WITHOUT ANY ART PROGRAM OF ANY KIND FOR 3 YEARS. IN THE 9TH GRADE HIS/HER SCIENCE TEACHER NEVER ASSIGNED ANY OUT OF CLASS HOMEWORK, I NEVER EVEN SAW HER TEXT BOOK. SHE WAS NEVER REQUIRED TO DO ANY KIND OF REPORTS AND NEVER DID ANY SPECIAL PROJECTS OF ANY KIND. WHY WOULD THE SCHOOL DISTRICT EVER HIRE A TEACHER LIKE HIM?
305.	10/23/2008 8:52:00 PM	There are two systems -- urban Alaska and rural Alaska ---- and these two worlds can be very difficult to manage from a statewide approach since they have very different issues and expectations. Good luck in changing that!
306.	10/23/2008 8:56:00 PM	Something needs to change in order for AK Native students succeed. A curriculum needs to incorporate the ingenuity of AK Native science, technology and culture that has been developed over thosands of years, this will make the education relevent to the lives of the AK Natives and celebrate the culture. Many experts in this subject area reside in every community and need to be utilzed as part of the fabric of any educational curriculum. Many curriculums in rural and isolated communities do not have culturally relevent materials taught in the class room, these communties are often very steeped in culture and when these students are put in a classroom they have a difficult time relating their life to the education they are recieving.
307.	10/23/2008 9:07:00 PM	To many kids feel there is no connection to their teachers and that they don't care. Teacher should be held accountable. If a student fell, so do the teacher.
308.	10/23/2008 9:08:00 PM	It needs to change. The graduation requirements are to standard. People are not made from cookie cutters and if they "do their time," make the grade and comprehend the material they should receive their diploma. Early Ed needs to be built and funded by the state - at least partially. Early Ed and Elementary Ed should collaborate on expectations and goals to move forward. I feel now that much of what children do in kindergarten is what they did the last 2-3 years in "preschool."
309.	10/23/2008 9:08:00 PM	Until we had the No child left behind act I think we had a better opportunity for all children to learn at their own pace and had the opportunity to excel in math and english but now they are so generalized that the smart kids don't get to do better for themselves. This is a horrible thing!
310.	10/23/2008 9:20:00 PM	Education in Alaska is hit and miss. Alaska Native students are not performing academically, the drop out rate is outrageous and something needs to change.
311.	10/23/2008 9:22:00 PM	The NCLB standards are not working for rural Alaska. I wonder if the kids would get a better education if we had more regional HS where kids could get a quality education. I like what I have seen at Mt. Edgecumbe.
312.	10/23/2008 9:24:00 PM	We have great kids. NCLP and increasing state and federal mandates act like a hammer and then we all look like nails. Incentive pay is not going to change teacher behaviors in the manner it is being used. It is nice to recognize schools doing a good job but it may even be counter productive. the issues in some northern rural schools are so enormous that no mandate or incentive is going to change anything. there are fundamental issues that schools cannot solve.
313.	10/23/2008 9:28:00 PM	Fund school districts in a timely manner. Look at pre school programs for all children. Provide for full day kindergarten. Talk with lots of parents, they know their children better than any of us (educators).
314.	10/23/2008 9:29:00 PM	We have a great group of students, parents, and community members. The conversation in recent years to build upon the common interest -the best and fullest opportunities for each child- is encouraging. The educational leadership in this State is strong and should remain so in the face of misguided federal mandates that can overshadow what we can do for children. Improvements can and should be made. However they should be done on a case by case basis rather than simply broad strokes.
315.	10/23/2008 9:35:00 PM	With all the money and talent we have we should be able to have top of the line education. We need to be more competitive about attracting people to the state. (special ed, psychologists, etc) We need to be serious about the RTI model and fund it so every struggling child gets the interventions they need.
316.	10/23/2008 9:45:00 PM	Our legislature only pays lip-service to being avocates of our state educational system.
317.	10/23/2008 9:47:00 PM	I believe that education in Alaska is not as comprehensive as it is some other states and we need to diversify what is offered to our children
318.	10/23/2008 9:48:00 PM	It is a community responsibility. Everyone needs to be involved.
319.	10/23/2008 10:00:00 PM	I think the education here is very good but could be more challenging. The students in high school need to have more credits.
320.	10/23/2008 10:05:00 PM	One of the wealthiest states I have ever worked with the worst funding and facilities. BSA should be between 8,000-10,000.00 dollars. All facilities should be lighted to mitigate SAD and as suicide prevention. Indoor tracks should be a requirement so everyone walks, at least.
321.	10/23/2008 10:07:00 PM	I saw my son struggling with algebra in high school and not getting the help or instruction from his teacher. He went on to UAA and there the teacher wrote on the blackboard as he explained and my son finally grasped the concepts. He told me he could have learned that in high school but his teacher didn't give that kind of instruction. How can we make sure our teachers are doing the right thing once they close the classroom door???? We need quality teachers who love their jobs and want to help students learn. It would save the students so much time in college instead of doing catch-up lessons which slow them down in their college years when they could get out faster if they were properly prepared in elementary and high school. Our kids need to be able to read and write when they graduate from high school, I worked with high school students in a previous job and was discouraged to see they didn't know how to spell everyday words used in reports for their job.
322.	10/23/2008 10:10:00 PM	I think teachers are doing a great job with what little we have to work with in these rural communities.
323.	10/23/2008 10:17:00 PM	I live in the Bush. Often I wonder if the Molly Hootch act has been in the long run successful. This summer I made 32 trips to Teller with visitors from outside. I/we visit friends and I have lots of opportunity to talk to (and encourage) the young people to stay in school. Their comments are often, "Why?" My concerns vary from not enough of the very basic "civics" skills (personal finance, working more to better their communities etc) to not being able to access more technical training. It is very difficult I realize.
324.	10/23/2008 10:18:00 PM	We cannot afford to continue business as usual. We have some huge challenges that go far beyond the disproportionate effort to meet AMO goals. We need more responsive, nimble school solutions that simultaneously address basic skills and appropriate social behaviors, as well as provide rigorous, relevant, and creative challenges for students at all ages, in all communities. Beyond wringing our hands and insisting on doing school more or less how it has always been done already, I encourage educational leaders to cultivate an active conversation about how to address the tuned out/dropped out problem by thinking in large, new ways about what's wrong with the picture today and how can we act to solve the problems that are pervasive around the state.
325.	10/23/2008 10:19:00 PM	I think the emailed grades really help reenforce the parent role to support middle and high school students. The school websites could be beefed up. Everytime you add something to the teacher's plate, you have to ease something else. If they have 150 students that might be from split homes that's a lot of communication. Can their be a support staff person reasonponsible for some of this?
326.	10/23/2008 10:30:00 PM	Education isn't as meaningful to rural students if they aren't feeling independent enough control their own life and future. That is why I support training programs and boarding schools.
327.	10/23/2008 10:33:00 PM	Its super duper duper duper coool. =] And my teacher is awesomeee.
328.	10/23/2008 10:57:00 PM	Parental involvement is the most important ingredient.
329.	10/23/2008 11:07:00 PM	No Child Left Behind has been very beneficial in insuring teachers and paras are highly qualified. However, it has left some smaller schools with less class choices because of this. It has helped all Ak. schools raise the bar in academics and expectations. I would like to keep the policies that have raised education standards but relax those that don't allow teachers to teach electives such as bakery or art without being highly qualified.
330.	10/23/2008 11:12:00 PM	Education in Alaska is strong. We have great students and good teachers. The teachers and administrators need to partner to make education the number one focus for Alaska. Education is Alaska's past, present, and future. EED needs to focus on helping recruit new teacher's for Alaska without making it to tough or demanding for out-of-state teachers to apply.
331.	10/23/2008 11:24:00 PM	Yes we want to educate all children so that we are in the ratings with the rest of the world, but we also have to look at the challenges and environment the families and learners are facing that are specific to Alaskans.
332.	10/23/2008 11:28:00 PM	If teachers were paid more, there would be better teachers, thus better results for students. There are so many options for people after high school that pay so much better than becoming a teacher. I am in my final year of the UAF elementary education program, and I will be in debt for years beginning this spring- all because I chose to be a teacher rather than a highly paid engineer or businessman. If it weren't for the love in my heart and the vision in my mind, I would have chosen another profession in a second.
333.	10/23/2008 11:35:00 PM	too many kids are dropping out due to lack of interest/motivation/support....we need to address those situations
334.	10/23/2008 11:49:00 PM	No more DRUGS!!!!!!!!!!!!! for the Rural children! This is the best way to remove hope from the children. The best way for the children to develop suicide ideation. The best way for the children to develop the road to completing suicide. The best way to keep children from developing into contributing citizens of Alaska. Get more drug sniffing dogs for the Alaska State Troopers!
335.	10/23/2008 11:50:00 PM	My kids moved here 8 years ago. When we did they were 2 years ahead of the class. These kids need to be pushed and expected to be better and do better. We need to have pride in Alaska and stop being at the bottom of the list for education.
336.	10/23/2008 11:57:00 PM	I think the teachers in Alaska are truly dedicated people and I enjoy working with them and visiting them in the remote and rural areas of the state. We need to remember that they too are individuals and that they need to be given assistance, especially when dealing with kids who have experienced trauma, and in settings where the community issues may be overwhelming. Just making them do more and adhere to only one type of instruction is antithetical to good teaching practice.
337.	10/23/2008 11:57:00 PM	That it is a critical componet of this society and we must actively engage our students in improving the quality of life in our communities.
338.	10/23/2008 11:58:00 PM	Reform, reform, reform. Once we had schools that held national regard. Test scores don't measure a human being. We need citizens that are creative, imaginative, and able to think & formulate free independent thoughts. Let us help to develop full human beings first...not just various strata of working consumers.
339.	10/23/2008 11:59:00 PM	Times are a changing
340.	10/24/2008 12:13:00 AM	NCLB should be left behind! It doesn't work in Alaska!
341.	10/24/2008 12:33:00 AM	I saw one 1995 graduate's job application, resume, etc, and it was horribly written. I asked myself, "how did she graduate high school"?
342.	10/24/2008 12:34:00 AM	Standards based education works so students can work at their ability level.
343.	10/24/2008 12:48:00 AM	At the secondary level schools are more a social club than a place of learning. We have valedictorians who can not spell nor write a complete sentence. These students are tomorrow's leaders! I am concerned for our nation!
344.	10/24/2008 1:01:00 AM	Generally, it's good. Mostly I try to instill accountability and responsability in my own kids and hope they become "leaders" in their own environments and strive for excellence in themselves .
345.	10/24/2008 1:19:00 AM	That the most important education happens from 0-5 years when the brain developes the fastest and is most plastic.
346.	10/24/2008 1:26:00 AM	It is not perfect. It is a system that does not reach all kids.
347.	10/24/2008 1:35:00 AM	We are fortunate to be one of the wealthiest states. We need to invest more money into our educational system. ALL students should have appropriate educational resources (trained teachers, clean and safe school facilities, strong educational materials, etc.). Teachers are the key to student success. We need to train and retain strong, dedicated teachers!!!!
348.	10/24/2008 1:43:00 AM	keep up the good work support any help available from community members or parents
349.	10/24/2008 1:44:00 AM	We have opportunities no other state has to improve the education our children receive.
350.	10/24/2008 1:53:00 AM	school i'm at went through 12 principals in 12 years, and new teachers every year, we are level 5 school. need for improvements in convene , roads and and salary and housing to attract better teachers for longer times
351.	10/24/2008 3:35:00 AM	There seem to be good opportunities for post secondary education, I think having distance courses and such really benefits people.
352.	10/24/2008 4:04:00 AM	It needs to find a way that teachers get paid what they deserve. They are very underpaid for all that they are expected to do.
353.	10/24/2008 4:07:00 AM	Education in Alaska is technologically advanced compared to many states. The teacher-to-student ratio is lower, which is great for learning. Teachers and Principals are excited to be working and living in the "last frontier". Students are excited when there isn't a huge turnover of staff each year. All these positive things we have going in Alaska and yet the salaries of the professional educators is sorely lacking. I bet you wouldn't ever get a petroleum engineer, with a Master's Degree, to work for $55,000 or $60,000 after 26 years in the profession! That's absurd! Get real and pay the educators what they are worth!
354.	10/24/2008 4:11:00 AM	I would like to see the larger schools have "schools within a school" concept so that students who are struggling can get more individual attention.
355.	10/24/2008 4:46:00 AM	Alaska is great at "conventional" education. But we do not teach students to think for themselves; we only teach them to follow directions. Education is more than memorization and regurgitation, which unfortunately is what Alaskan schools are good at. I'd like to see every student in Alaska receive a "Thomas Jefferson" education. There is nothing inherently wrong with the Six Traits Writing Method. The problem is in the way the six traits are given equal weight. In the real world, a misspelled, ungrammatical paragraph will never be read completely, no matter how strong the ideas. In fact, in the real world the ideas will be evaluated and judged based on the spelling and grammar used to present them. We are doing a disserice to our students when we tell them that they are competent writers because they have good ideas when those ideas are presented awkwardly.
356.	10/24/2008 5:03:00 AM	It needs some tweaking. The mindset of communities needs to be changed with why education is so important, there needs to be more financial support that reaches the teachers and not just the district and administrative level, and teachers need a higher pay. It's ridiculous for summer employment to be absolutely necessary because my salary doesn't pay enough for my to live through the summer. It cost a lot to become a teacher, and student loans are drowning my financial stability.
357.	10/24/2008 5:32:00 AM	The above response (#12) pretty much covers the basic problem. I'm not suggesting throwing money at the problem, but districts statewide are hamstrung because of lack of funding. It's amazing that they can do as good a job as they do with the lousy funding they get. I've seen most smaller districts here in southeast do away with (in many cases) strong music programs because they simply can't afford them. That's downright criminal.
358.	10/24/2008 5:39:00 AM	Educators are required to keep up with course credits to renew certification...shouldn't there be a way to help pay for these courses? Shouldn't there be a way to recognize teachers who go above and beyond this requirement? We have a diverse culture of students that we interact with everyday...shouldn't there be a requirement of parental involvement in their child's school?
359.	10/24/2008 5:40:00 AM	Please adequately fund all regions in this state. Continue to trust the experts--educator's judgement on what's best for kids.
360.	10/24/2008 5:55:00 AM	We need to put less emphasis on standardized & state testing. There is such a big push for all this testing in schools, we are going to burn out our kids due to over testing! The state needs to get back to the basics (reading, writing & math) & let the teachers teach what their curriculums are telling them to teach.
361.	10/24/2008 7:01:00 AM	We need to do a better job of engaging students (and parents) in the education process. Too many students don't see the relevance of their education to their lives and success. They sit back like observers, not participants.
362.	10/24/2008 8:16:00 AM	Education funding needs to be primarily thought of as an investment in our future, not an expense for the present.
363.	10/24/2008 1:55:00 PM	Teachers work incredibly hard to meet the needs of their students.
364.	10/24/2008 2:57:00 PM	-gay students get harassed by teachers and students but have no safe options for reporting -standards are so low and students will work hard if they are expected to
365.	10/24/2008 3:06:00 PM	We need to prepare our students to go outside of their community for college and return with their knowledge as leaders in their community.
366.	10/24/2008 3:11:00 PM	Overall I have been satisfied with my children's education in Alaska at the elementary and junior high grades. HS can be overwhelming for some children(my daughter was homeschooled her last two years of HS due to bullying at HS and nothing was done about it). She is now in college and doing well. My other children are in college and one has chosen to go back later-he would have done well if our HS had provided a career focus. Oh well he is dong well, married and owns a house. Our youngest is in middle school and is enjoying the experience of what school has to offer. All in all I have been pleased with the teachers, staff and curriculum of Alaska schools, please don't add on anymore courses at HS as that will cause children to drop out as they may feel like they will never finish.
367.	10/24/2008 3:30:00 PM	I think we have some remarkable, creative teachers who are dedicated to offering the best education they can to our students. If our schools were fully funded and a commitment to investing in staff development was followed through on, then Alaska would be able to offer programs comparable to any in the nation or the world.
368.	10/24/2008 3:41:00 PM	i had a better experience her than where i started my education as a child
369.	10/24/2008 4:13:00 PM	From my limited amount of time working in a elementary school setting, I am very impressed with the forward and progressive measures taken to help our students become successful.
370.	10/24/2008 4:16:00 PM	The standards are NOT too high! Students have the capabilities, but too many refuse to do the work. Change the required coursework--it emphasizes the college prep--allow students to choose--many will continue the college prep, but many others will begin looking at specific career options.
371.	10/24/2008 4:29:00 PM	nothing else
372.	10/24/2008 4:30:00 PM	Make it a priority. We can build prisons or schools. You pick. if we build QUALITY educational programs that reach to a variety of students, not just those successful in a traditional school, then we can increase life success.
373.	10/24/2008 4:31:00 PM	student attendance, parents value of education , I believe are the biggest reasons students drop out.
374.	10/24/2008 4:33:00 PM	You're all on the right track.
375.	10/24/2008 4:35:00 PM	Everyone means well, but many still do not want to be held accountable for making sure students learn. Until this happens, many students will continue to fall through the gap. Schools need to provide program(s) that make certain kids can read, write, and do math. If those three things are accomplished in elementary school, it will take care of most of the drop out problems in secondary school.
376.	10/24/2008 4:38:00 PM	I have been associated with Alaskan education now for 4 months and I have been impressed with the level training and mentoring of new educators. The Department of Education is clearly on the right track to provide quality educators for the future of Alaska. I do feel that opportunities in rural Alaska are very slim for early childhood education, this is one of the most important times for a child to learn. I would like to see Alaska catch up with the lower 48 in Pre-k education.
377.	10/24/2008 4:43:00 PM	We have some of the greatest programs; however, attendances is of great concern, and parental involvement.
378.	10/24/2008 4:52:00 PM	Use technology.
379.	10/24/2008 4:52:00 PM	Focus money to the classroom. The Teachers and resources.
380.	10/24/2008 4:56:00 PM	We have only lived in Alaska for 2 years, coming from New Mexico. My older child has less homework now than she ever has, but when she does have homework she doesn't know how to do it. I feel like I am her teacher. My youngest child has more homework than what my oldest has ever had and again I feel like I am spending more time teaching her at home than her teacher does at school.
381.	10/24/2008 5:02:00 PM	It could always be beter
382.	10/24/2008 5:27:00 PM	They really need to strengthen the vocational/technical training. Most of the employees in our borough wear Carharts to work. Many students graduate from high school and can't read a tape measure.
383.	10/24/2008 5:30:00 PM	We are number one in many areas that we shouldn't be #1 in and we should be seeking ways to fix that. We are #1 in teen suicide, child abuse, and alcoholism. We should also be looking into how we can help kids with FASD.
384.	10/24/2008 5:41:00 PM	When I went to HS in the early "70s, we were allowed to "work ahead" in science, math and English classes and earn extra credits. The teacher was flexible and worked with students. This gave us incentive to go beyond the bare bones basics and was valuable when we started college. It took motivated teachers to work with us and it was successful.
385.	10/24/2008 5:50:00 PM	It's been a tough job and, considering the huge diversity of the consumer population, made good progress. Don't give up!
386.	10/24/2008 5:52:00 PM	Children need to be able to go straight into a college level course when they graduate rather than spend 2 years trying to get up to speed. This can be accomplished by offering vo-tech learning facilities for students who do not wish to go to college. This allows the K-12 system to teach to a higher academic level without interfering with the education of non-college bound students.
387.	10/24/2008 5:56:00 PM	Graduated from East High School.
388.	10/24/2008 6:01:00 PM	Alaskan students need to see themselves as members of a global community and should be comfortable learning in this manner.
389.	10/24/2008 6:07:00 PM	Education in Alaska is as diverse as it's terrain. Educators need to have the funding to provide good quality education from preschool to 12th grade. Many families have to travel long distances to receive their education, it should be worth it. More funding and making teachers accountable are just the first steps in making our programs meet the real needs of the children.
390.	10/24/2008 6:13:00 PM	Alaska has many unique cultural and geographical challenges, but the school system is aware and works to meet the needs of every student. In our personal experience, the weakest part of the system is providing enough challenging academics for bright/gifted high school students. They are the ones that are discriminated against the most.
391.	10/24/2008 6:32:00 PM	it needs to be changed.
392.	10/24/2008 6:38:00 PM	That education in the rural areas is totally different than in urban areas. Students have to overcome more handicaps living in the bush. They have different needs that should be related to the area they are living in. Some rural schools aren't receiving funding because the cost of living is higher and people are moving out and then back, making it difficult to have the correct amount of money for educating the students.
393.	10/24/2008 6:39:00 PM	We need more schools and choises in the Mat-Su Valley.
394.	10/24/2008 6:47:00 PM	more sports for children with out coast and free transpotation
395.	10/24/2008 7:00:00 PM	Policy makers should be parents and not great grandparents that think we should still walk 10 miles to school with gravy poured into our boots to keep us warm. Its not a one room school house anymore and a teacher with a ruler for discipline. Let's change with the needs of children.All children deserve a chance to make a better world.
396.	10/24/2008 7:23:00 PM	You will know when you are doing a great job of leading when you find the students, classroom teachers and parents vigorously engaged in the education process. If this revolution is not started then we likely are doomed to the status quo. All the best with the education summit.
397.	10/24/2008 7:25:00 PM	If we don't insist on our youth applying themselves in school the future of this state and country are set to go in a downward spiral. If you have students that don't want to learn don't allow them to disrupt the rest.
398.	10/24/2008 7:33:00 PM	It is hard to improve when there is so much turnover and well trained staff take positions elsewhere.
399.	10/24/2008 7:41:00 PM	n/a
400.	10/24/2008 7:42:00 PM	It seems that we need more teachers that can give 110% to the job to help motivate students to succeed when the parents are indifferent about academic success.
401.	10/24/2008 8:03:00 PM	I think it is important to have state goals and objectives that we can all agree upon so that we all are working toward the same ends.
402.	10/24/2008 8:05:00 PM	Need to improve the situation in rural schools more than urban. Failures in urban schools more to do with my statements in no.12 above. Rural schools so dependent on just a few teachers and limited physical plants. Those teachers had better know what they are getting in to.
403.	10/24/2008 8:29:00 PM	If students have the support system and the motivation, the education they can receive in Alaska is one of the best in the country. They can leave school prepared to do whatever they choose. Unfortunately, not all students come with that outside support system that encourages and motivates them to do well and value the need of education.
404.	10/24/2008 8:45:00 PM	The graduation rate is way too low.
405.	10/24/2008 8:45:00 PM	Overall Alaska education is comparable or even better some of the schools in the other states. We have quality teachers and as such should be valued.
406.	10/24/2008 8:47:00 PM	I love the people I work with. I love the students I am in contact with every day. I love my job.
407.	10/24/2008 8:50:00 PM	Programs that benefit out of state educators should be more for educators from Alaska. Use education dollars for State of Alaska University students - this way there is a greater understanding of what is really going on in Alaska's communities. Appreciate the Alaskan educator more than what is occurring, especially Alaska Native educators and particularly Native men educators, because it is our native male youths that are slipping through the cracks of education. Not enough is being done to prevent this. Administrators are forced to play politics or are more worried about their retirement benefits than actual academic outcomes.
408.	10/24/2008 8:53:00 PM	All people who make policy about education should have to spend time in a classroom and school to really know what they are talking about. Blanket expectations for all is not only harmful for students, but for schools in general.
409.	10/24/2008 8:56:00 PM	I've worked in schools in 3 states. I'm glad I saved Alaska for last--it's been my best experience.
410.	10/24/2008 8:57:00 PM	It is challenging! The old phrase "you can lead a horse to water but can't make it drink" -- if you substitute "student" for horse and "school" for water and "learn" for drink says it all!
411.	10/24/2008 8:57:00 PM	We need better connection of schools to communities, families and workplaces.
412.	10/24/2008 9:02:00 PM	There is a lot of potential in this state. Students have many opportunities and resources that could help them achieve life dreams. There is little connection between the education and real life. Our boys need to fix things and our girls need medical training nursing and dental assistants -health care classes and early childhood ed classes-vocation vocation vocation!!!!!
413.	10/24/2008 9:04:00 PM	Business and a labor in general sell our students short when they continue to make allowances for studnents who drop out becasue the student knows that a ged is good enough in many instances. If the state wants a higly trained job force for the 21st century they must rasie their standards as well. When students get the message that it won't happen without a diploma some will change their committment and reap the rewards if a full education.
414.	10/24/2008 9:04:00 PM	Education in Alaska is NOT SO DIFFERENT than any other place. I get so annoyed and tired of hearing "We can't do that here, because we are so unique and different." Give me a break. We're all human with the same needs, problems, challenges, and desires as anyone in the lower 48.. We have such a renegade and rebellious spirit that keeps us from listening or looking at what other places are doing and being successful. We also think that we have to create everything from the ground up. What a waste of precious time. Reinventing the wheel is not good use of our resources.
415.	10/24/2008 9:05:00 PM	Please see above
416.	10/24/2008 9:09:00 PM	There are many options available to students.
417.	10/24/2008 9:13:00 PM	It's hard to be a teacher here and teachers need support in many different ways.
418.	10/24/2008 9:20:00 PM	I have been a teacher in the Fairbanks North Star Borough District for 11 years. I feel that education is a huge priority for the community and community leaders. I have worked with dozens of different teacher, staff, and school leaders and know they are very dedicated to what they do and they care about students and want the best for students. I have come across less than a handful of teachers who were not passionate about what they do. Thanks goodness these people move on to different vocations!
419.	10/24/2008 9:23:00 PM	It can be made better by staff who really care about the students and sincerely care about what happens to them
420.	10/24/2008 9:24:00 PM	If we are talking about increasing the number of CTE programs in the schools we need to go back to creating a specific funding stream for Career Technical Education programs.
421.	10/24/2008 9:24:00 PM	The students in this state are generally better educated than any other people in similar circumstances in the world. It is a shame that programs are being cut and services being shut down because of lack of funding (and an inequitable funding formula that favors a large city with NO MUNICIPAL GROSS RECEIPTS TAX over small bush communities with an outrageously high tax). Start there...
422.	10/24/2008 9:29:00 PM	I would like to see education money in Alaska be more evenly distributed. The "bush" schools seem to be plush while those in the more urban/suburban/rural "non-bush" communities are left scrambling for funding.
423.	10/24/2008 9:32:00 PM	Pay the teachers enough to compare to other professionals who are required to have the same levels of education and experience. It is ridiculous that teachers have to "negotiate" for a decent contract. I am tired of the silly games the administrations throughout the state play with these vital professionals.
424.	10/24/2008 9:35:00 PM	Head Start is not preschool, day care or kindergarden. If you do not yet know the differences please do Alaska a favor in spending the time to discover this. Overtime the school system will change, for the better, if all children and families have the benefit of experiencing Head Start.
425.	10/24/2008 9:44:00 PM	The quality of education in AK has decreased alarmingly since the 1980s.
426.	10/24/2008 9:46:00 PM	Teachers are over paid by any standard. Stop giving raises. Standards based test at every grade level. If 95+% of YOUR class has passed a standards test, with a "C" or above, given by an independent instructor then you'll be considered for a merit increase. Teachers never give standards tests their own students, because teachers lie, teacher cheat, and teachers steal.
427.	10/24/2008 9:51:00 PM	The teachers and administrators that I have known are committed to supporting learning. They create successful schools despite hardships.
428.	10/24/2008 9:52:00 PM	You have missed the mark. There is widespread lack of leadership in the schools, particularly in the pricnipal position. The teachers use what ever currivulum they wish therefore there is not congruent or consistent style or message. Go Back to the basis.
429.	10/24/2008 9:53:00 PM	I wish I had other options for my son. More boarding schools that are not targeting Alaska Native youth
430.	10/24/2008 10:01:00 PM	great teachers and students exhausted by testing that does not tell good info. If we know it is way above them you are testing for a predictable failure.
431.	10/24/2008 10:03:00 PM	Not everyone is cut out for the college path--be respectful of that and offer alternatives that will help students obtain skills that will make them productive citizens.
432.	10/24/2008 10:11:00 PM	Parents need to raise their children (morals, values, etc). Teachers need to educate (English, math, science, etc.).
433.	10/24/2008 10:14:00 PM	Education is missing the career counseling piece. Yes every school has a counselor, but that person is usually busy with scheduling classes, working with students going on to college, coordinating state exams etc. Everyone seems to feel that this is the Dept. of Labor's responsibility - but they can't do it either. That career counseling piece needs to have information on community current and future needs-so that students know their employment prospects.
434.	10/24/2008 10:18:00 PM	We have great schools and technology resources, but teachers are your greatest asset! Invest in them!!!
435.	10/24/2008 10:24:00 PM	The range of educational quality is much too wide.
436.	10/24/2008 10:29:00 PM	It's in good shape, but class sizes and the requirements being put on teachers and schools are getting out of hand. Right now teachers and schools are 100% accountable for a students' success. Where is the Student's and PArent's accountability? I object to being responsible for a student who comes to school to breathe air and eat lunch, and the parents who support that behavior. When parents and kids share equal responsibility for a student's education THEN we can reach and graduate more kids.
437.	10/24/2008 10:32:00 PM	See above.
438.	10/24/2008 10:33:00 PM	There is a real lack of respect for the educators and administrators in the State. The State government should pursue programs to increase awareness of the expertise that educators have. Parents and lay people cannot replicate what a teacher does without training...yet they think they know how to do it all.
439.	10/24/2008 10:38:00 PM	High school principals should be informed about the rights of individuals and should not be allowed to act like dictators.
440.	10/24/2008 10:39:00 PM	Urban schools provide excellent academics for our students. Rural and bush schools need attention in another form than more $.
441.	10/24/2008 10:40:00 PM	I think the standards are generally appropriate (i.e. rigorous enough) but that does not mean that teachers have the flexibility they need to meet them (i.e. flexible scheduling) or that we as a community (including parents) have the expectations that students ARE going to meet them.
442.	10/24/2008 10:44:00 PM	I think education is on the right track, but we could be doing a lot more to prepare our students for the rest of their lives, which will be far longer than their time in the Alaska school systme (God willing). Students seem to want more from their educations, but so much of our educational system is driven toward standards and success based on an incomplete set of numbers, without consideration of the true human impact of knowledge and true learning.
443.	10/24/2008 10:51:00 PM	Kids are missing out through duplication and adult pettiness. A state virtual program should be developed along with a state pay scale.
444.	10/24/2008 10:53:00 PM	Schools will never take the place of quality parenting. Schools are meant to support parents, not take the place of them. The welfare system is undermining the quality of parents in Alaska and this is having a direct effect on the performance of the schools.
445.	10/24/2008 11:01:00 PM	I think that there are some really good teachers in Alaska, but I also think there are some who do a disservice to our kids by not teaching them what they are supposed to be learning. I have witnessed many struggling students who seem to have gaps in their education, skills that they need to build new skills. Students who can't add or subtract in 7th grade, or who never learned how to spell, or to read. I have seen students who have come from the same elementary school with the same "gaps" in their education. This needs to be fixed.
446.	10/24/2008 11:02:00 PM	We need high expectations for all students with swift and immediate consequences for students who meet those expectations and those who don't.
447.	10/24/2008 11:04:00 PM	would be great to get passive consent passed at the state legislative level so we could see monitor programs better and seek improvement in our children's health and connectedness through school based surveys like the YRBS
448.	10/24/2008 11:14:00 PM	That we are doing well and trying to manage within the money constraints that we have. I believe as a teacher, and parent with a soon to be kindergartener, that if class size in K-3 was no more than 15, we would capture students at their best and instill life long learning in them. I BEG for the state to have smaller class size requirements for primary classrooms. Children want to do well in school but are not able to work to the best of their ability when in a room with 27 other children at the age of 5.
449.	10/24/2008 11:15:00 PM	Alaska has provided me with educational opportunities not available anywhere else and I'm sure that others feel the same way. However, I am concerned about opportunities available to school systems that are not on the road system such as YK. Because of current economic situations, how many of these schools will be going under causing those students to have to leave home to go to school. When schools close, communities die.
450.	10/24/2008 11:16:00 PM	Don't give up. Our children are are future. It is the single most important part of the budget. Listen to students, families and community leaders. Make decisions carefully and make them based on data, not politics. Develop a comprehensive, long-range plan and implement it. Measure progress against it. Amend it as necessary. DREAM BIG.
451.	10/24/2008 11:18:00 PM	That it needs to start earlier than kindergarten, more prek programs. Many children do not qualify for head start and there is nothing available for them.
452.	10/24/2008 11:20:00 PM	Students who do not wish to enter a college bound course after high school must start All over to gain skills that are useful in the real world of "making a living."
453.	10/24/2008 11:30:00 PM	We're working so hard to make sure that everyone graduates, we're watering down the system. The attitude of students in my class is that it doesn't really matter if they work a lot or not; they'll still get through because we'll do everything we can to make sure they do.
454.	10/24/2008 11:34:00 PM	Our schools are excellent and can compete with any state in the United States. We need to get all of our parents on line and supporting the child's educational needs. It begins at birth and continues.
455.	10/24/2008 11:38:00 PM	See above. Over the years, school boards increase requirements for students, often with their own children's college goals in mind. Everyone DOES NOT NEED to complete algebra, three years of science... We need to take a serious look at the centuries-long and very successful educational methods used in Europe, where people can choose a path that suits them at around middle school age. Our high schools are filled with students who are struggling to take some courses over and over to earn credits, re-taking the HSGQE multiple times, or dropping out due to the academic pressure.
456.	10/24/2008 11:39:00 PM	There is a serious crisis of parenting that it will be difficult, if not impossible, for schools to address.
457.	10/24/2008 11:48:00 PM	Overall, it's decent. Teachers deserve more pay for what they do...while it's important to attact new teachers by raising entry-level pay, is is even more important that our districts RETAIN quality teachers by increasing the pay for the highest-level teachers. Hiring 'younger, cheaper' teachers is NOT the solution to improving the quality of education as a whole. Keeping the more experienced teachers who already KNOW how to teach is a much better way of spending Alaskas money...more bang for the buck.
458.	10/24/2008 11:51:00 PM	I am concerned that the retirement system was yanked out from under the new teachers. I am concerned that we are not going to be able to recruit quality teachers because of this.
459.	10/24/2008 11:57:00 PM	The teachers, staff and administration can not do it alone. They must have the support of the parent or care giver, and the community to instill in the child that education is important.
460.	10/25/2008 12:07:00 AM	I would like for the money spent on education to directly benefit the kids. Programs such as the requirement for new teachers to send in videos which much be reviewed in order to keep their teaching certificates is not something that benefits the kids. What a costly and unnecessary program!
461.	10/25/2008 12:11:00 AM	Succesful education begins with healthy supportive homes and commmunities. It is only with that partnership that the Western education system can be effective in Alaska, particularly in Rural Alaska. When the community and its leaders were the hub of the educational system, before Western influence, raising childeren and fostering their education worked best with guidance from many.
462.	10/25/2008 12:17:00 AM	I have three children, one with special needs. All have been given a chance to learn. I wish that they had been pushed harder but over all they each had a good education.
463.	10/25/2008 12:25:00 AM	It is sad that with such large oil revenue surplus that we can not be the best state with regards to educating our children. The money is there, but not being spent wisely. Get rid of dead weight teachers and run it like a business with incentives and bonuses for good work. Likewise if you are performing poorly you are put on notice improve, or find another profession. Stop teachers from whining about how hard they work. They chose the profession, they knew the hours, the pay, if they want to be treated better and get better pay then do a better job. There are a lot of good teachers but there are also too many lackluster, dried up, and not up to par ones too. Recruit people that know what they are getting into and that want to do a good job, not just have the summers off.
464.	10/25/2008 12:32:00 AM	It should be the BEST in the United States and World Class. We have unique resources.
465.	10/25/2008 12:33:00 AM	I am concerned about the impact of outmigration on the sustainability of many rural schools.
466.	10/25/2008 12:55:00 AM	I see a great deal of growth in many areas but I am concerned about the rural areas. I believe with the high cost of living we will have many families moving into our urban communities. I am not certain we can meet the emotional needs of children pulled up and transplanted into schools that most likely will be larger than their whole community. I don't believe that this will or should be an educational community concern only but one that the whole community better start looking at.
467.	10/25/2008 1:13:00 AM	I'm proud that my sons are fortunate enough to be able to learn and study life here in Alaska.
468.	10/25/2008 1:29:00 AM	The opportunities in rural Alaska fall well short of opportunities in urban Alaska.
469.	10/25/2008 1:52:00 AM	To be current with the rest of the states,and the world, we need to look at more technology and updated equipment with which we can educate our students. We need more vocational schools that offer our students, who do not wish to go to college, a foundation for a career.
470.	10/25/2008 2:11:00 AM	Fix the NO child left behind policy so it fits the small schools or small villages. It is a great policy where students learn more but it doesn't work for small schools.
471.	10/25/2008 2:44:00 AM	The standards in Alaska are behind those in the lower 48. We are not doing a good job of educating all of our students to be successful in today's world. Vocational opportunities are lacking in the villages where they are needed the most, and in the cities technology is lacking with assumptions that students will complete courses that put them on a 4-year college track. The vocational school in Fairbanks is not readily available to SPED students, and tactile learners who would avail from these programs, perhaps the most. There are many job opportunities for Alaskans in the oil/gas/mining industry, entrepreneurship, healthcare, that are not being addressed in the student body. Who's going to fill these jobs if not people from Alaska- transplants from the lower 48? Let's train our children to become part of the workforce, not a welfare statistic.
472.	10/25/2008 2:47:00 AM	Alaska has a pretty good education system with a lot of local control. Parents and students need to take responsibility for what they can, like good attendance and completing homework.
473.	10/25/2008 3:10:00 AM	We've all got to work together to maximize our limited resources & provide the best education possible for every student. The State Board of Education adopted admirable standards in various disciplines (not just reading, writing & 'rithmetic or science) of what Alaskans want every child to know when graduating from high school that I would love my children to have had the opportunity to receive. How do we know what it will take to reach this lofty goal if we don't even know which of the standards (art, music, technology, foreign language, etc, etc) are being omitted or neglected in many of our schools.
474.	10/25/2008 3:24:00 AM	If we do not find a way to pay our teachers more and fix the retirement system, there will be few educators from the Lower-48 willing to replace the vast number of retirees that our system will face in the next five-ten years.
475.	10/25/2008 4:54:00 AM	The NCLB highly qualified teacher requirements are a joke- they haven't done anything to improve teacher quality. Principals need to have the responsibility and ability to make decisions about which teachers to keep and which ones not to, instead of having other people make that decision.
476.	10/25/2008 5:24:00 AM	We need more money.
477.	10/25/2008 5:52:00 AM	We have wonderful kids, quality teachers and administrators who are struggling to meet quotas and numbers and still serve the kids. Education is not broken in Alaska, but failure to properly fund and to recognize the facility issues could well cause it to break.
478.	10/25/2008 5:59:00 AM	Alaskan education has the best chance to reform itself than any other state in the nation. We just have to have the will to do it.
479.	10/25/2008 6:00:00 AM	People underestimate the long hours and effort that teachers put into educating children in Alaska. If the public wants quality education, planning time is an essential element. The "minimum plan times" in most contracts do little to promote innovative teaching, reflective practices, and experimentation with technology.
480.	10/25/2008 6:27:00 AM	PE teachers don't get enough support (I'm not a PE teacher) - their class sizes are huge. They are often the dumping ground.
481.	10/25/2008 7:20:00 AM	I would like to see accountability of teachers teaching the standards in place already. I do not think there is a need to change the standards, I feel there is a need to have accountability. There are a lot of excellent teachers out there but the mediocre ones taint the jobs the good ones are doing.
482.	10/25/2008 3:28:00 PM	I am a high school drop out who went on to college and I am now successful. The reason kids drop out because of home enviornment and bullying. Bullying can happen on so many levels.
483.	10/25/2008 3:30:00 PM	In general it seems to be a good place to learn, but, too many students are dropping out. We need to thing about every aspect of our schools and make changes to lesson the problem. It will take a willingness to change ourselves for the betterment of students and society as a whole.
484.	10/25/2008 4:00:00 PM	Teachers and administrators all over Alaska, especially here in Juneau, are just NOT the type of people I'm comfortable with my kids associating with. These people ARE NOT proper role models. We've effectively entrusted our children's education to a group resembling the Adams Family, freaks, drug abusers, homosexuals, and whinny unproductive liberal losers not qualified to bag french fries.
485.	10/25/2008 4:05:00 PM	It takes all of us, not just teachers, to educate our youth.
486.	10/25/2008 4:33:00 PM	Counselors don't counsel, they provide academic assessments. Not enough time is spent with students guiding their behaviors, habits, and decision-making. Relationships with teachers and staff can increase the self-esteem of students and motivate them to accomplish higher levels of performance academically.
487.	10/25/2008 5:25:00 PM	Alaska is a land rich in natural resource. Our most valuable resource, yet largely untapped in relation to it's potential, is the students.
488.	10/25/2008 5:34:00 PM	We have a lot going for us, but we need to appeal to the non-college bound student by offering a variety of programs. We need to keep class sizes down to better teacher/student relationships and improve learning.
489.	10/25/2008 5:36:00 PM	Working in an urban, low-income school I would like the state to send the message to hardworking teachers, parents and staff that their efforts to improve education are appreciated and recognized. The NCLB focus of issuing sanctions is not the way to encourage and motivate people. All of us take pride in what we are doing and welcome accountability. I strongly believe we need to change the tone of the legislation from one of sanctions to one of support.
490.	10/25/2008 5:45:00 PM	Early childhood programs are key, but only if done correctly. Montessori-style focus on independence, fine-motor skills, respect for self and others will prepare students for kindergarten.
491.	10/26/2008 12:37:00 AM	No Child Left Behind is a potentially good idea, but has really turned into No Child Gets Ahead - or "the nail that sticks up gets hammered down."
492.	10/26/2008 12:58:00 AM	Technology is not the solution to educational problems; otherwise education will turn into a series of Youtube videos. Alaska needs to abandon the practices of the lower 48 because they do not work here.
493.	10/26/2008 1:08:00 AM	13. The more I read and observe, the more I believe that a commitment to excellence is what can turn our school district around. For EACH child to exceed high expectations takes not only an attitude change on the part of staff but the supports that will make it happen. We have to look at what it will take for those who are struggling, as well as what it would take for other students (those in the middle and the top) to also exceed or meet high expectations. A focus on excellence also means that we have to be really individual student centered, getting away from adult focus or the "all kids" approach which means "no kid"--just an imaginary agglomeration.
494.	10/26/2008 1:24:00 AM	We need to make sure that the teaching compensation package continues to attract the best and the brightest. We are losing ground rapidly and hence talent.
495.	10/26/2008 1:30:00 AM	You must not be listening to your dropouts, since Alaska is also #1 in high school dropouts.
496.	10/26/2008 1:30:00 AM	We have come in to the age of technology to create the era of new opportunities for each generation as well as learning to incorporate the past into future generations of teaching. We have to see what is best for our areas without getting a piece of the golden apple set out of reach of our most gifted rural learners. We have to work out systems of regional benefits of rotating opportunities for each community. Rural life brings new activities and hope when special events bring new visitors and chances to interact and learn.
497.	10/26/2008 1:30:00 AM	I think funding of education should not be something that goes up yearly on the chopping block. It should be a given that what is needed to adequately fund education is not something to be negotiated. A PTR that makes sense should never be put up against a new snowplow, travel stipends for legislators, etc.
498.	10/26/2008 2:20:00 AM	There is a tremendous expenditure on sports in the state. I believe that that expenditure needs to be looked at more critically.
499.	10/26/2008 2:58:00 AM	I've been a proud, public school special ed. teacher for 24 years, but worry that we don't have any incentive programs for paraprofessionals or college grads to become sp. ed. teachers. We need to offer $$$$ to pay for their degrees/endorsements in exchange for years committed to teaching IN Alaska!!! I know of teachers with sped. endorsements PAYING to have it taken OFF of their certificates!! Something is wrong, and we need to fix it together;-)
500.	10/26/2008 3:59:00 AM	Rural Education is collapsing it has been for years. You can send zillions of dollars to improve it, but, without accountablity its wasted. I moved to Washington to allow my daughter an education --- it's amazing how it's changed her life. Every child deserves this.
501.	10/26/2008 4:54:00 AM	Teachers tolerate a great deal and at times feel, over-worked under-paid and unappreciated. As a parent I also realize the busy lives of families, but sometimes its like everyone needs to slow down and pay attention to all our kids.
502.	10/26/2008 5:10:00 AM	The education in Alaska schools leads the nation in innovation and realivance.
503.	10/26/2008 5:20:00 AM	In small schools, a good teacher makes for a good education. We need to find a way to recruit and retain good teachers in Alaska.
504.	10/26/2008 8:16:00 AM	School boards are controlled by the superintendents in many rural places. School board members are paid and it is their only cash income. Guess how they vote! There is an Old Boy's Network in the districts. Kids suffer.
505.	10/26/2008 3:21:00 PM	The purpose of education is to present young adults to the job market ready and able. In too many cases, mediocrity seems to be the standard, not excellence. When a good student suddenly starts performing poorly, there are no checks in the systems to flag this unless a parent is continually checking online grades. And, at that, the schools don't have any programs to help that student pick back up, or even to identify what the problems are... and we have another one who 'falls through the cracks'.... and there seems to be thousands of cracks in the system.
506.	10/26/2008 3:38:00 PM	Don't be afraid of allowing competition into education. It is a strong motivator which will lead to greater success. If you want more parental involvement, allow greater parental choice.
507.	10/26/2008 5:18:00 PM	Parents are the missing link.
508.	10/26/2008 5:39:00 PM	We used to have better schools. With less funding and with more mandates teachers are forced to comply with, the quality of education for students has declined over the last 20 years while my children have attended Alaskan schools.
509.	10/26/2008 5:45:00 PM	We need to build respect for schools and educators. Although there is lipservice to "support for education," it's not really there. The reality that I hear so often from parents is that teachers are overpaid and underworked and that they try to sabbotage kids all the time. If parents don't get their way, administrations capitulate to them too often when the parent pitches a fit. This further deteriorates the support for schools. I'd like to see school staffs treated as professionals who are doing a good job.
510.	10/26/2008 5:51:00 PM	Our high-schoolers need attention as well as options!
511.	10/26/2008 5:55:00 PM	The education of minority students, especially African American males, needs intervention!
512.	10/26/2008 5:56:00 PM	It needs help if our kids are to succeed.
513.	10/26/2008 6:25:00 PM	It is important to keep those small rural schools funded and to help them offer programs to meet the projected jobs in AK. Somehow we have to help those schools become learning centers in the community, not just K-12, but to meet the needs of the drop outs, or people that move there and need training. There needs to be more partnerships between colleges, voc ed centers, unions and distance learning for rural areas. I would like to see more scholarships for vocational training as well as college training. College isn't for everyone and the sooner AK realizes this the better for our work force.
514.	10/26/2008 7:19:00 PM	We need to financially support our schools. We have been moving in the right direction but have not caught up with the previous years of underfunding.
515.	10/26/2008 7:39:00 PM	It is a joy to work in AK.
516.	10/26/2008 7:40:00 PM	We have to make a commitment to attract and keep the best staff possible. That will not happen with the current retirement options for new hires.
517.	10/26/2008 8:36:00 PM	Rural education is in danger of becoming extinct.
518.	10/26/2008 9:14:00 PM	I LOVE that I can educate my children from home without State/Government interference. As a parent, I know my children better than any (other) teacher could, and as such, feel I am most qualified to teach my children. I am happy that the education laws in Alaska protect my decision to home school.
519.	10/26/2008 9:31:00 PM	maybe it's the school, but I don't think my children are learning what they need to know. I am quite positive that growing up in rural Nebraska, the standards were higher, and no one was too worried about our precious little feelings and self esteem... so we had to work harder to earn our grades. I think we are doing our children a disservice by being too lenient with assigning homework and standards. My children are in 7th grade and for some reason seem to have education gaps... especially in English language and usage. The standards seem to have become more relaxed and gone down, rather than more competitive on a global scale. It seems to me that the school standards are "dummy-ing down" so kids won't feel inadequate, but once they graduate and try to go on to college or get jobs in the "real world", are not really prepared and unable to meet the requirements due to lack of education and preparation for reality... where no one really cares what their self esteem is, if they can't perform up to other standards. So far in my opinion the education system has failed to give my children what they need. They are smart kids, but something isn't working.
520.	10/26/2008 9:34:00 PM	I was appalled when I first came to rural AK - about 5 years ago and saw how far our start grades were behind the rest of the US - west and east coast. grades 1-5 were terrible - kids not knowing letters and not reading. Worst yet - many teachers not real concerned. Terrrible. Made the decision my kids would receive thier main education out of the state and at home. I am currently looking at becoming a school board member to address some of these issues but I see it as a up hill battle since the state is also grappling with these issues
521.	10/26/2008 10:10:00 PM	Education in Alaska is the norm. It is not better or worse then elsewhere. I however think if we paid more attention to the whole child and not just the grade on a test we could impact more children. Teaching a child to be a responsible citizen and that they have the ability to impact the world gives them the power to succeed.
522.	10/26/2008 10:24:00 PM	That there needs to be more teachers.
523.	10/26/2008 10:59:00 PM	I have been an educator in our state for the past 18 years and I'm terribly proud of my work. I do believe, however, the struggles we have in schools across our state in our attempts to educate unhealthy children (mentally and emotionally) makes our efforts more challenging each year.
524.	10/26/2008 11:47:00 PM	THe children are th future of Alaska and the world. There have to be issues that are tackled in school that are controversial, in the best interest of the children. In order to make a decisions in everyday life there are two sides to every story and I think the children should be presented with all the facts not just the ones that are politically correct.
525.	10/27/2008 12:17:00 AM	Nothing
526.	10/27/2008 1:01:00 AM	When I first came to the state to teach in 1982. Ray Barnhardt and Steve Grubis at UAF ran aproigram called Orientation to Teaching in Rural Alaska. Over the years hundreds of teachers went throught he program and it was fabalous. It really helped address issues of culture, issues facing non-Native teachers and created a strong network of educators who not only stayed in the bush, but made a positive difference. I could give you well over 100 teachers still in this state who would speak to its benfits. Why it was discontinued is a shame. What to make a difference in rural education? Talk to Ray Barnhadt about it.
527.	10/27/2008 1:03:00 AM	Education in rural Alaska can succeed but not without building safe schools with the infrastructure needed to provide a 21st century education for all our students.
528.	10/27/2008 1:20:00 AM	The teachers' union does a geat deal of damage by protecting techers instead of what is best for KIDS
529.	10/27/2008 1:23:00 AM	Students and parents who come from other states often times stumble when they start up here in ASD. The rigorous curriculum takes them awhile to get used to, then they settle in and take off academically.
530.	10/27/2008 1:33:00 AM	We do not spend enough money on the AVERAGE student! These students are the ones we can easily reach, but are ignored because they get average grades. (there are programs for the upper end and lower end - but nothing for the vast majority in the middle)
531.	10/27/2008 1:34:00 AM	My own children have had great teachers, schools, and were competitive when they left Alaska for college. College is not for all kids and we need to address that. I think we have tried so hard to help everyone that we have watered down our expectations and have too many splinter programs. The Special Education kids are draining our budgets!... and for what gain? If we are to look at the National goals of increasing science and math skills in comparison to other nations, then we need to put "our money where our mouth is".
532.	10/27/2008 1:47:00 AM	spend more money on the average to above average student. We are ignoring the majority of students
533.	10/27/2008 2:00:00 AM	Funding is a huge deal in our school, our gym is falling apart, our roof leaks, and we need new carpets. I think more funding should be available to rural schools in Alaska, especially with the increase of fuel prices.
534.	10/27/2008 2:05:00 AM	AFTER RAISING 5 KIDS, AND WORKING IN THE WELFARE OFFICE GETTING YOUNG ADULTS OFF OF WELFARE AND INTO THE WORK FORCE. I HAVE NOTICED A FEW TRENDS. MOST EVERYONE I HAVE INTERVIEWED APPEAR TO HAVE DROPPED OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL MOST CLAIMING TO HAVE NOT FIT IN. AFTER FURTHER MEETINGS I LEARNED THAT THEY HAVE LEARNING DISABILITIES WHICH MADE THEM GIVE UP. I THINK ITS CLEAR TO TEACHER WHO DOESN'T FIT IN WHO IS STRUGGLING AND WHO STOPS SHOWING UP FOR SCHOOL. THESE KIDS SHOULD BE TAUGHT A TRADE IF THEY DON'T HAVE A TRADE THEY END UP ON WELFARE. FIND THEM YOUNG, TEACH THEM A SKILL THAT WILL FEED THEM, TEACH BETTER BIRTH CONTROL AND TAKING RESPONSIBLITY FOR THE CHILDREN THEY FATHER
535.	10/27/2008 2:07:00 AM	Education in Alaska is not as bad as many people feel. It must be a team effort because all students are capable of succeeding in school. Many just don't feel it's necessary or worth their time.
536.	10/27/2008 2:28:00 AM	I believe in the public education system and what it can do for creating a well rounded society. I also believe in the quality of the professionals who work within the Alaska public educational system. However, I do not find it reasonable to attempt to teach kids to their full potential by putting 33 - 36 kids in a classroom with academic skills ranging from near illiterate to college level and expect one teacher to meet everyone's need for learning. Many of our students are below grade level with the core subjects of reading and writing and I do not believe we should pass the blame to the elementary schools. I feel many of our current kids need to be evaluated and placed with their skill level and allow highly qualified teachers get those kids quickly up to speed so they can compete in the classroom. As soon as they meet minimum standards move them out of the remedial class. Society and schools accept this premise in the sports arena where speed of learning and repetition is of the utmost value and yet we reject applying this idea in the classroom. Kids can and will rise to the challenge if given the right environment.
537.	10/27/2008 2:51:00 AM	see above
538.	10/27/2008 3:28:00 AM	Schools get excellent support from state and local government and our staff rank among the best in the nation.
539.	10/27/2008 3:46:00 AM	It worries me how far behind children are when they walk into school in kindergarten. Alaska needs to adequately fund early childhood programs!
540.	10/27/2008 3:51:00 AM	Overall, Alaska does a pretty good job. Several areas need improved, but I'm glad to see someone doing something about them.
541.	10/27/2008 4:07:00 AM	If a child can not read at grade level exiting the second grade and allowed to continue without being taught to read, he/.she will fail as the subject matter becomes more intense. This is what causes the embarassing drop out rate. Ask your commissioner of Corrections for the literary level of the prison population. You will find that Corrections is attempting to do what the public school should be doing, teaching the prison population to read at a level to make the job application process. It is a tragic situation that is bluntly ignored by the educational system including to the top level of commissioner and state school board.
542.	10/27/2008 4:34:00 AM	A tremendous amount of money is being spent on students with IEPs. In our school each week there is at least an entire day spent on meetings which include the principal, teacher, a resource teacher or two, psychologist, OT/PT specialist, speech specialist and the parents. When a teacher has many students with IEPs they are absent from the classroom a great amount of time and the education of the rest of the students is left to a substitute teacher rather than the trained classroom teacher. Continuity of lessons is interrupted and the time and resources are being spent on just a few. There must be a better way.
543.	10/27/2008 4:53:00 AM	Quality educators are difficult to find and the prospects are getting worse. Too often positions go unfilled for lack of applicants. For those who hire teachers in this state, the days of choosing between two or more experienced, qualified applicants are a thing of the past. Many principals consider themselves lucky to have applicants with a credential - a credential and quality teaching experience is a real find. Working conditions and salaries need to improve if we are going to maintain and effective core of professionals in our schools.
544.	10/27/2008 5:01:00 AM	The major issure our schools face in the coming years will be that our "average" child in todays classes have a multitude of issues. Low attention levels, lack of discipline, and lack of respect for school and the teachers to name a few. I understand the need to keep children in school more and to help them learn life lessons as well as skills aquired through academics, however until the majority of parents start pulling some weight, the schools must take a stand and go back to some of the "old school" antics for misbehavior and respect issues. I as one parent hopes that my children learn more from school than just tolerance.
545.	10/27/2008 6:02:00 AM	It needs more support from state government.
546.	10/27/2008 6:20:00 AM	I think Alaska has a lot to offer the children here, and instead of educators trying to press each other with big terms and who got what grant, they need to step back and say what can I do with what I have. It has been proven time and again that more money does not make great education, it is the quality of the education that makes great education and great students.
547.	10/27/2008 6:25:00 AM	I want more teacher parent involvement. I think we are way behind in academics.
548.	10/27/2008 6:28:00 AM	Kids are safer here than most of the country.
549.	10/27/2008 8:18:00 AM	big penis's
550.	10/27/2008 3:00:00 PM	It's generally good.
551.	10/27/2008 3:05:00 PM	see number 12
552.	10/27/2008 3:12:00 PM	Nothing
553.	10/27/2008 3:31:00 PM	It has changed for the worse since I was in elementary in the 80's. both in academics and discipline
554.	10/27/2008 3:41:00 PM	I would like to see Alaska become a leader in innovative programs which actually promote success for all students in Alaska...high academic expectations, heightened sense of intrinsic motivation to learn, and exceptional test scores to prove the above. We need to be leaders of what works in American education!
555.	10/27/2008 3:54:00 PM	Kids need access to rich curriculum that allows for indepth learning and a positive expereinces at school. They need access to positive adults who have the time and energy to listen and support kids where they are. WE need resources that allow us to recruit and retain great educators and administrators.
556.	10/27/2008 3:59:00 PM	I appreciate the educational experiences in Alaska. I am concerned about the future of education. I am feeling that schools are now becoming more regarded as a babysitting service rather than an educational system. Parents need education as well as support to help raise their children, especially since the centralized family has disintegrated.
557.	10/27/2008 4:01:00 PM	It cost a lot more to educate students in Alaska and funds need to be available to pay higher transportation and energy costs.
558.	10/27/2008 4:10:00 PM	Back off on continually looking to create additional road blocks for obtaining and maintaining teacher certification. It is hard enough to recruit and retain quality teachers by adding hurdles that are costly and time consuming.
559.	10/27/2008 4:16:00 PM	CTE and more technology in the classroom works!
560.	10/27/2008 4:16:00 PM	I believe that overall Alaska has an excellent educational system, even though there are challenges to overcome with funding and the NCLB guidelines.
561.	10/27/2008 4:31:00 PM	Find a way to reward great teachers and also a way to remove sub-optimal ones. Get a great teaching staff and then get out of their way. Good teachers dislike mediocre ones as much as students and parents do. Many people get into professions where they do not belong and it is the education hierarchy's job to counsel them into something appropriate for them.
562.	10/27/2008 4:52:00 PM	Better education in Alaska probably does not require more money. I absolutely DOES require that we use the money more efficiently. We need fewer in leadership, and more in the classroom. We need fewer gadgets, and better wages. We need fewer "riders" on the payroll, and more "workers." We need to ask more of our leadership; stop caving in to every politician and fad -- do what is best for KIDS. We need to ask more of our faculty; if we want to be treated an paid like professionals, we must ACT and PERFORM like professionals. We need to ask more of our parents and our students --they can, and will be better if we expect them to be-- and make them accountable for individual competence.
563.	10/27/2008 4:56:00 PM	A token opportunity for a culturally relevant education is there but most students are left out becuase it is not encouraged by administration and couselors. Culturaly relevant classes are often scheduled in conflict with other popular classes such as choir, band and shop.
564.	10/27/2008 4:57:00 PM	There needs to be many more opportunities for students to be able to be trained in vocational and technical fields, instead of expecting every student to fit the "Standards Based Assessment" mold.
565.	10/27/2008 4:58:00 PM	It is a great small school if we were to make it up to all challenging.
566.	10/27/2008 5:06:00 PM	People care very much about education and the students in the schools.
567.	10/27/2008 5:12:00 PM	needs systemic change to overcome challenges, esp. in rural Alaska.
568.	10/27/2008 5:12:00 PM	There are two Alaska's. Bush Alaska and Urban Alaska. Each has it's unique challenges, Especially Bush Alaska. 1) Logistics 2)Rural Isolation & all the social/behavioral issues associated with it. 3)Teaching Parenting Skills 4)Pre-school preparation.
569.	10/27/2008 5:13:00 PM	The state needs to have a statewide health curriculum that all schools teach as a requirement at all levels. Addressing substance abuse, smoking and tobacco use, things that they will face when they get to be teens, starting in early childhood and elementary school, before they get to be the age where they start using.
570.	10/27/2008 5:17:00 PM	The standards are great, however schools should continue to be held accountable for AYP, not students. The graduation exam should not hold a student back from a diploma. The school should be responsible for requiring the education along with the state.
571.	10/27/2008 5:17:00 PM	It seems to be moving in the right direction...it is just slow. Leadership and support for changes from Dept. of E.E.D. is very important and appreciated.
572.	10/27/2008 5:24:00 PM	Needs to be looked at alot more closely, to realize what all our children are getting, not just the exceptional learners but what is available for all students.
573.	10/27/2008 5:30:00 PM	Overall, I feel it is a quality education. I do feel we should hook up with internet opportunitities more-for things not in Alaska...aquariums, science museums, etc. especially for rural students to widen their learning opportunities.
574.	10/27/2008 5:31:00 PM	I would like to see parents become more involved in their children's education. Parental involvement is critical to the educational success of their children. We have to REcreate the value of education in our society.
575.	10/27/2008 5:33:00 PM	More attention to rural school challenges
576.	10/27/2008 5:41:00 PM	Alaska is a great place to learn. Education in Alaska is sincere and on the move.
577.	10/27/2008 5:41:00 PM	My children did really well in this school system. they also got a great lesson in the geography of alaska through their sports. Now it seems we are focusing on getting everyone to the middle and not in how far they can achieve if given the support they need.
578.	10/27/2008 5:44:00 PM	We are a state with great financial resources. Supporting education financially with lower student to teacher ratio is THE foundation. Yes, technology and healthy buildings are important parts as well; however, none of that will mean much without the real CONNECTIONS between student and professional educators that come from time spent together learning.
579.	10/27/2008 5:49:00 PM	There has been some difficulties for students who transition from rural Alaskan schools to urban schools. These students have demonstrated emotional, social, and behavioral concerns. These students have some difficulties adapting to urban school settings and experiencing success.
580.	10/27/2008 5:56:00 PM	I've seen and heard about it elsewhere and we are doing better than most, however, we can't and shouldn't rest on our records. We need to set higher goals and try harder to obtain them.
581.	10/27/2008 5:56:00 PM	I am afraid for our students, that they are not being prepared for the life ahead of them. We have so many children dropping out of school once they turn 16 years of age. I realize a lot of our educational problems start at home where a student needs a parent who will ensure they are in school on time, encourage their child to be successful. If we alone could change that in our state, I feel our rates of children graduating and being successful would change for the better. I would like to see afterschool tutoring for those who need it. Or extra classes afterhours to make up for lost credits if need be. Just and idea....
582.	10/27/2008 5:57:00 PM	Great people and great staffs to work with.
583.	10/27/2008 5:58:00 PM	I think we are missing the boat in our state by not including the arts in our schools. Our huge district (kpbsd) has one art teacher for all of the elementary schools, and we have one music teacher that services our town of 500+ students. The arts are an essential aspect of learning.
584.	10/27/2008 6:02:00 PM	We are mandated to teach in a certain way instead of the needs of a fluxuating population. Many come to our school not knowing multiplication and division. Our teachers often review these skills, because in the long run these are life skills and will not pass a test if they don't have them. Students are behind in math skills when they come, so the school never has a chance to raise AYP scores!
585.	10/27/2008 6:20:00 PM	Let's get back to paying teachers the highest salary in the country. We won't keep recruiting highly qualified teachers if our salary's worth continues to decline as cost of living escalates.
586.	10/27/2008 6:21:00 PM	It needs to improve if for know other reason than to keep up with the other states. You don't want to turn into Mississippi, which is almost always rock bottom.
587.	10/27/2008 6:25:00 PM	It is poor at the K-12 level. We need to teach so that students can function at the college level.
588.	10/27/2008 6:29:00 PM	We need smaller schools even in urban settings so that all kids have the opportunity to feel successful and be acknowledged for what they can do.
589.	10/27/2008 6:32:00 PM	We need to develop strategies and implement them throughout the state to help students to receive a diploma. Many states have set up portfolios, leveled assessments to grade level abilities and etc. I feel it is just a matter of time before the educational system is sued for not providing alternates to the HSGQE testing.
590.	10/27/2008 6:42:00 PM	Alaska is still trying to make up for many, many years of financial neglect for our schools. Teaching in Alaska has definitely not kept up with other states in terms of salaries, retirement programs, class size, and other critical working conditions. We are not attracting and retaining the number of high-quality candidates that we once did to this profession. I am very worried about the new teachers in our schools and their skills, talents, and dedication.
591.	10/27/2008 6:53:00 PM	The quality of education in a community is largely a reflection of the value a community places on it's children and education. It's also a reflection of levels of state and federal support for mandates. We need to get back to teaching more about critical thinking and how to work with a diversity of people than how to take a test.
592.	10/27/2008 6:53:00 PM	Some areas are definitely at a disadvatage due to location, isolated. Funding is critical.
593.	10/27/2008 6:54:00 PM	Not fulfilling. Experiece racism at the University level.
594.	10/27/2008 6:56:00 PM	We need to increase our expectations and offer more vocational training for those students who are unable to meet higher academic standards.
595.	10/27/2008 7:06:00 PM	It seems that we are lacking in the quality of our Teachers
596.	10/27/2008 7:07:00 PM	Kids need to learn how to learn, how to survive in life beyond high school, whether it's college, apprentice, armed services - everyone will work sometime, not everyone will go to college.
597.	10/27/2008 7:15:00 PM	Until we are able to actually do what is right in educating our population rather than blindly reacting to the mandates of NCLB and AYP, we will continue to have issues. We need to have adequate funding and equitable class offerings. We also must have relevant education in order to graduate more of our population. This means trade school prep as well as college prep classes. Meeting the various needs of our students does not mean having the same cookie cutter expectations for all students. People have different strengths and we should be accomodating them all. Only if these changes are made will Alaska fully realize its potential.
598.	10/27/2008 7:27:00 PM	My seven children were well prepared to attend college in the lower '48 and were able to be successful moving on to Masters degrees and employment. So must be doing a pretty good job.
599.	10/27/2008 7:31:00 PM	Early elementary grades are way too focused on testing. It is just inappropriate. Also, there is not enough emphasis on problem solving, flexibility and skills needed for a global market. The state should fund art in the school at the elementary level and improve science experiences at upper levels.
600.	10/27/2008 7:32:00 PM	I think we need to have more contact with parents/guardians
601.	10/27/2008 7:32:00 PM	I would like to see a program in place to help the children who move back and forth between communities, something to help them transition.
602.	10/27/2008 7:38:00 PM	We need programs to train teachers, special education providers and related service providers in out state. Programs for undergraduates that can be completed from their home community with some internships in the summer. We need to be able to grow our own workers without diplacing them from their communities.
603.	10/27/2008 7:39:00 PM	Even with today's modern conveniences in the most remote of villages, THE PEOPLE IN THE VILLAGES ARE DIFFERENT!!! Their background, beliefs, and ways have not caught up with Fairbanks, Anchorage, lower 48 values and beliefs! The legislature MUST somehow realize that and stop trying to treat all schools and students in the state alike!
604.	10/27/2008 7:45:00 PM	We have the ability to do great things in Alaska.
605.	10/27/2008 7:50:00 PM	Again, we need to go back to the basics and make sure that no child is advanced to the next grade unless he is able to perform at that level. We also need to put more importance on the parent(s) involvement and their need to support the education their child is getting.
606.	10/27/2008 7:56:00 PM	We are going to lose great staff if the retirement is not changed and better pay for staff.
607.	10/27/2008 7:58:00 PM	I believe that we have reached a capacity for serving most of the students - restructuring needs to occur to serve all students. (professional learning communities -google)
608.	10/27/2008 8:04:00 PM	we need to find ways to make school relevant to the native population. teachers work so hard at doing this, but for some reason it does not connect with enough native students. i would like more effort to be placed on finding ways to reach out to native families, so they see the value in education and thus encourage their children to succeed. as committed and hard working as i see the teachers are, our system somehow has little relevance to too many native students. good luck in breaching this gap.
609.	10/27/2008 8:06:00 PM	Elementary schools are pretty good at family centered education. Middle schools are less so. High schools really are not welcoming for families. When our children need to have a tight safety net of adults, the safety net is loose and frayed, because there is not a venue for families to be involved except to work the school store...
610.	10/27/2008 8:14:00 PM	It can be so much better without costing more.
611.	10/27/2008 8:22:00 PM	Alaska is doing a good job in education, but there is room for improvement.
612.	10/27/2008 8:25:00 PM	Education in Alaska is competitive with the rest of the nation, but still higher standards are necessary. Students who do not pass reading, writing, or math courses at the junior high level should not be promoted to high school. We are inundated with non readers whose reading levels do not improve once they are in high school. We need an attendance policy that holds students accountable for missing days and does not also punish teachers. Special Ed programs at the high school level should be examined and perhaps function in a different manner. Very little progress is observed from students who are served in special ed classes.
613.	10/27/2008 8:54:00 PM	Smaller schools should have more options for extra credit or options for a classes that would help maybe a career they might be interested in. (example, shop, home-ec,...)
614.	10/27/2008 8:58:00 PM	Stop dummifing the FBNSBSD students and the whole state for that matter. Your use of the California standard, is placing California students in sped. services in TEXAS!!!!!!!! And now you can add Alaskan students....as your education system is soooooo far behind...
615.	10/27/2008 8:58:00 PM	the Infant Learning Program should be where it all begins! Early detection, intervention and support to families can make all the difference in the world to the future of our young people. Fund the Early Education programs more adequately, they have a great formula for measurable success, which includes home visiting and family support.
616.	10/27/2008 9:01:00 PM	We need more technology in the classrooms. We need funding at a level that teachers and parents will not have to wonder what will happen the next year in our schools. We need to reward excellence in teaching just as the private sector rewards its high achievers.
617.	10/27/2008 9:02:00 PM	This can be a great step toward the integration of early childhood systems and programs with K-12 and the states post secondary systems. We must not enter into this thinking that integration of efforts is all that is needed. We must further the development of all three of these systems individually as well as increasing all three systems abilities to link with other providers of support such as tribal, community, social, and health service entities and systems.
618.	10/27/2008 9:10:00 PM	Quality
619.	10/27/2008 9:11:00 PM	A lot more needs to be done to bring the children of Alaska an interest and a love for lifelong learning. As it is now, school turns kids off and makes them not want to go at all, after they have been consistantly ignored, and put down. Life for a lot of youngsters in our area is particularly harsh, with drunk parents, drugged out family members, lack of heat, good food. The schools need to present good food, for breakfast and lunchs that helps the children to be able to think and function better after coming from their home lives which are like battle zones.Extra options are available at a price which so many just cannot afford. Not even the transportation to get them to the events never mind pay fees for participating.
620.	10/27/2008 9:12:00 PM	It needs a directed focus with a set of researched based educational standards that all students can achieve. We need a standardized state basic math, science, art, music, history, reading and writing, curriculum.
621.	10/27/2008 9:13:00 PM	HSQE should be changed to reflect Lifeskills such as understanding the stock market, savings plans, how to determine how much you'll really pay for that car, how to balance your checkbook, how to avoid consumer debt, how to budget, how to be a good citizen, what a good diet is, how many calories are in a big mac, how to prevent venereal diseases, how to spot a scam, how to recycle, why your child should be immunized, etc.,etc.
622.	10/27/2008 9:16:00 PM	Early intervention is the key to success.
623.	10/27/2008 9:18:00 PM	its good
624.	10/27/2008 9:18:00 PM	sp ed for children with behavioral health issues is very inadequate and uncoordinated within the school and with the community. Gifted classes in Anchorage focus on more work rather than work that stimulates the imagination and inquisitiveness of the student.
625.	10/27/2008 9:19:00 PM	We have great opportunities to prepare children for world problems but rarely take advantage of the available resources.
626.	10/27/2008 9:22:00 PM	its graded differently compared to schools down south 1-4 grading is sooooo dumb.
627.	10/27/2008 9:22:00 PM	Education in Alaska is proficient
628.	10/27/2008 9:23:00 PM	nothing
629.	10/27/2008 9:28:00 PM	I am a product of public education in Alaska. I received my high school diploma from Lathrop, my associates and bachelors from UAF (a masters from George Fox) and a second masters from UAA. We have a difficult job ahead of us, trying to educate the next generation of students, but I do beleive Alaska is doing a good job. Our biggest issue is most likely the difference between rural and urban settings and the teacher shortages.
630.	10/27/2008 9:30:00 PM	That if you don't get it come to the teachers and they will try and explain it to you.
631.	10/27/2008 9:32:00 PM	The Alaska education sets students up for failure. Students are provided so many alternative learning environments that students are not adequately prepared to face the workforce upon completion of high school
632.	10/27/2008 9:35:00 PM	I just would like the State to continue on the betterment of education in Alaska, example; the testings, trainings for the teachers/staff of the schools, just do anything to support the schools out there and make sure the kids get the best education they can get in AK
633.	10/27/2008 9:44:00 PM	It is good but could be so much better. We need to accept that students are individuals and teach them as such. We need to stop building programs that put people in offices and not in classrooms. We need to drastically omprove our approach to vocational education.
634.	10/27/2008 9:50:00 PM	Too much money is NOT making it into the classrooms in terms of materials for students. It is, instead, being used to pad already fat administrative salaries and on extremely expensive staff development programs or unnecessary travel to this or that conference. Books have become "dirty words," or so it seems. I have had to buy books, maps, a television! Why? It is simply because it was the only way this material would appear before my students. Purchase orders simply do not work. Principals are afraid of superintendants who do not value books. There's money for other things . . . just not for books, maps, television, etc. It seems too many people come here to Alaska not for the students, but for themselves. There are people getting rich at the expense of the children! Too many children are going without necessary learning material because someone wanted to go to a conference, for God's sake!
635.	10/27/2008 9:54:00 PM	I think that you are probably already aware of the disparity among schools and teachers across the State. It used to be that teachers were paid a fair living wage to teach in Alaska and I think that is no longer true.
636.	10/27/2008 10:02:00 PM	That in Alaska we still strive to teach a rounded curriculm even though the standardized test is trying to change that vision.
637.	10/27/2008 10:19:00 PM	It needs to improve and distrcits need to be held accountable
638.	10/27/2008 10:31:00 PM	If the state is going to threatened funding, it needs to prove to have the solution to the issues before it denies financial and educational resources
639.	10/27/2008 10:32:00 PM	I love my job. I feel fortunate to work in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District.
640.	10/27/2008 10:34:00 PM	It's vital importance
641.	10/27/2008 10:39:00 PM	We need more early childhood education.
642.	10/27/2008 10:39:00 PM	Families must become more involved and take an active part in their children's education!
643.	10/27/2008 10:40:00 PM	The only thing I can tell you is our personal experiences. If I had other children I would NOT put them in the local school and when people have asked I have told them go elsewhere if you want your kids to have a good education.
644.	10/27/2008 10:49:00 PM	We are catching up to the western world as far as learning the technical services available. We are blessed to have schools in our rural villages. We don't need to have regional boarding schools anymore. We just need to include cultural techniques to help teach our kids when it is needed. we learn by hands on experience.
645.	10/27/2008 11:08:00 PM	Far to many students drop out regardless of how the Dept. manipulates the stats.
646.	10/27/2008 11:17:00 PM	Went compared to other states the special education programs in the Kenai/Soldotna Area are about 15 years behind. The only environment considered is pull-out. This is a shame.
647.	10/27/2008 11:17:00 PM	Our standard for passing the HSGQE is so low that we should consider getting rid of the test. Our low standards seem to be an attempt to allow rural schools to graduate kids. I'm not sure that is the best way to approach the problem. NCLB makes it difficult to educate kids properly. Perhaps we should consider actually funding education and distance ourselves from federal education money.
648.	10/27/2008 11:37:00 PM	I believe we are doing well but could still do better.
649.	10/27/2008 11:37:00 PM	Urban and rural schools are like adding apples and oranges. What's effective in the bush isn't necessarily effective in city schools.
650.	10/28/2008 12:03:00 AM	It can be great, and has been great. I am living proof of that. However, there are some priorities in education that are not being met such as providing an education so that all students can be successful in life. The definition of success needs to incorporate vocational training and work skills as well as college prep.
651.	10/28/2008 12:10:00 AM	Our curriculum needs to be upgraded to help our students meet college level entry, so they are not 2 years behind as soon as they graduate. It's intimidating, and most seniors do not even last their first year out there.
652.	10/28/2008 12:42:00 AM	The state spends a tremendous amount of money to educate the students but they are not ready to move into the real world. We need to get back to basics and stop trying to be everything to everyone.
653.	10/28/2008 12:46:00 AM	I am finding that the quality of teacher that we are getting in our rural community has signifcantly dropped in the last 5 years. We are getting folks who are not interested in education but are here more for the adventure.
654.	10/28/2008 1:28:00 AM	I love it, I have been impressed with it. but then I know no other schools other than growing up and I can tell you my children did in 5th grade what I was doing to graduation high school.
655.	10/28/2008 1:55:00 AM	As an engaged parent who worked with my children and was involved in the local school all I ever asked of the school system and educators were the following: What are you going to teach, when will you teach it, how will you know that they got it and if they don't will you help them if they didn't. I finally gave up on the local school as the educators there would not/could not answer these simple questions clearly. I then enrolled my kids in Alyeska (before Gov. Murkowski killed it) as that program had a straight forward program that I could follow, I could track my childrens program and performance and there were teachers doing the same and when testing/evaluation revealed a problem Alyeska teachers were eager to help.
656.	10/28/2008 2:36:00 AM	If a student decides to take advantage of their educational possibilities within the public school, they may well get the very best education possible.
657.	10/28/2008 3:01:00 AM	I'd like to see Alaska education privatized. Go to a voucher system. I spend thousand of dollars educating my ASD student privately, through tutoring, speech therapy, and counseling. Anchorage school district is way too powerful. The charter schools should not have to be pass through the ASD school board who has no interest in seeing them be successful.
658.	10/28/2008 3:01:00 AM	That we need to support our education program every way we can. Our children are our future. We have to invest in our children to invest in our future.
659.	10/28/2008 3:18:00 AM	I want you to know that education in Alaska, in the US, is one of the most important assets we have. We have outlived many forms of government because we have raised generations of selfreliant, thinking adults. We should not let our system create cookie cutter generations if we want to stay free.
660.	10/28/2008 3:25:00 AM	Early childhood education should be available for all. Schools need to reflect the changing needs of society by providing supervision for children for a fuller extent of the work day.
661.	10/28/2008 3:29:00 AM	standards are low, the status quo is adequate and teachers refuse conflict
662.	10/28/2008 4:04:00 AM	The regulations for special education are actually holding kids back. Too many restrictions on intensive funding. Teachers don't get paid enough to do the job required.
663.	10/28/2008 5:25:00 AM	I want to see a sped program where the districts are not scared of the commissioner. We are so worried that we will loose money in audits that kids are no longer our priority. The district put the pressure on the sped teachers who already are over burden with paperwork. My last IEP had 42 pages of paperwork to it. I have 20 kids, you do the math. The ship is sinking and we are seeing no rafts coming from the commissioners office. Heck, we cannot even get our teacher certification office in the state working right?
664.	10/28/2008 5:27:00 AM	We need more early parenting classes offered in our communities. Single parents need to have the skills to lead their children to success. Use this survey to compare single parent homes to two parent homes on how successful the latter is with their children completing college. Use this information to pursue funding for more early parenting workshops/marital training.
665.	10/28/2008 5:33:00 AM	If you are a normal kid, you do fine, even great. If not, you are screwed.
666.	10/28/2008 5:43:00 AM	In most cases, we have had a positive experience. Teachers are dedicated and professional. Some teachers do not look for a partnership with parents, and discount a parent's experiences. We all have something important to contribute to the discussion of what is best for our students. Also, some of the restrictions placed on special education students for standardized testing are burdensome. For example, a student with fine motor challenges, who cannot physically handwrite an essay, can dictate or type. But to dictate, the student has to spell each word and punctuate each sentance. That is unrealistic with today's technology. A student can type their work, but the spell check has to be disabled on the computer. Again, unrealistic given today's technology and the way it is used in the workplace. Please look carefully at the rationale for these guidelines, as they don't really fit with the world as it operates.
667.	10/28/2008 6:03:00 AM	I think teachers are so busy with paperwork and testing, that they are being forced to "teach to the test" and therefore don't have enough time to help students who are truly struggling academically, or emotionally, as well as not being able to challenge those students who are in desperate need of higher level challenges. There also seems to be a lack of kindness, tolerance, and accountability being taught to children. This is lacking in many family homes as well.
668.	10/28/2008 7:09:00 AM	Most educators in the state seem dedicated and competent. Attempts to have them compete against one another, rather than collaborate, is counter productive. Access to up-to-date technology for all students is critical and more distance learning opportunities should be developed to meet diverse needs across the state.
669.	10/28/2008 7:30:00 AM	Stop chasing the numbers. Lengthen the school day or year, bring in more technology, reading specialists. Bring in counselors (other agencies) to work with kids, and not just the low income kids. Hold PARENTS accountable for their child's education.
670.	10/28/2008 7:35:00 AM	Education in Alaska continues to embody western ways much more than Native ways of knowing and learning. More attention is needed to decrease racism in schools, increase cultural compentency of all teachers, staff and administrators and increase number of Native people hired through out school system.
671.	10/28/2008 8:20:00 AM	Kindergarten should be full day and mandatory. Class size in K - 3 should be no higher than 20 students.
672.	10/28/2008 9:39:00 AM	We have some of the best funding in the world, and some of the finest schools being built. There needs to be more focus on the individuality of the student - strengthening their strengths & supporting their weaknesses. In the SpEd departments the "top" says "can do" while the bottom of the totem pole folks are saying "nope, can't do that! nope, can't do that!" Where is the communication of "can do" breaking down? We only get one shot at educating a child. We can't afford to just shoot for "a free and adequate public education."
673.	10/28/2008 1:32:00 PM	It is based on the colonial model
674.	10/28/2008 3:20:00 PM	NA
675.	10/28/2008 3:27:00 PM	Improvements at the administrative level should be considered. State and local administrators should be held accountable for improving their profession, before they decide to impose one more thing upon teachers and students.
676.	10/28/2008 3:37:00 PM	We chase too many students out of the educational system with rules that do not allow for personal mistakes, (i.e. drug, alcohol involvement, etc.). Do not suspend those kids. WORK with them!
677.	10/28/2008 3:41:00 PM	I was one of 450 applicants and 70 finalists for a nine month temporary position in the KPBSD. I had to fly out of the NW Arctic for five interviews. The HR director told me, “The KPBSD Board has instructed me to get the best teachers in the world. You will have many interviews, as that is exactly what I intend to do.” How many applicants do they get today? About one hundredth of what there was 16 years ago. For Spec. Ed. Positions they may get none and have to fly outside and recruit at schools as they have so few applicants. When I interviewed to teach in Anchorage 17 years ago the HR director told me, “You need to move to Anchorage and substitute for four or five years. Then we know the teacher and will hire them.” Is that still the case? I doubt it. Alaska is dismantling its small remote schools and that is very sad.
678.	10/28/2008 4:14:00 PM	It is underfunded, or the funding is not allocated correctly (due to federal mandates?). In any case, looking at the big picture; that is, in this state gin=ven its enviable financial surplus, to have a such a high drop-out is shocking.
679.	10/28/2008 4:35:00 PM	Nothing more than I already have.
680.	10/28/2008 4:37:00 PM	The system is not working. Our school wasn't teaching science and social studies up until this year - when they added a science curriculum. One of my kid's classes has 11 of 15 kids as high-maintenance, leaving the 4 who want to learn, sitting there doing nothing in class while the teacher tends to their issues all day. I would like a public charter school for elementary-age kids. There is one for 5-7th grade here. Or there needs to be a separate school for the discipline problems. The teachers do a great job, but need help and a raise. Kids that act up should be kicked out of school.
681.	10/28/2008 4:43:00 PM	I believe we need to look into districts that are succeeding with the NCLB laws and Alaska DOE needs to fight for the technology monies and financial monies to help educate every student. We have a great education system and outstanding teachers who are dedicated to our student. Let's start measuring individual progression instead of the current way. INDIVIDUAL PROGRESS is better than teaching so that our children can pass the test...let's measure their worth...and I believe the STate's abilities and progress will soar!
682.	10/28/2008 4:44:00 PM	I want to tell you Cordova needs a renovated elemtary (Mt. Eccles). It is a toxic school with bad water, bad ventilation and asbestes throughout.
683.	10/28/2008 4:44:00 PM	Education is rural alaska is not preparing our students for life outside of high school, even for high school in an urban school. Students in a rural school can barely compete with students in an urban school, or a larger boarding school such as Mt. Edgecumbe High School, (which I believe is an excellent school). In rural alaska, education options are very limited, which limits our students thinking and hinders their options. Most parents in rural alaska have very limited options as to where to send their children to receive a quality education.
684.	10/28/2008 5:01:00 PM	Teachers are expected to do too much for too little.
685.	10/28/2008 5:02:00 PM	Still developing as far as choices in Universities and places in higher education.
686.	10/28/2008 5:03:00 PM	There is not enough focus put upon early childhood education.
687.	10/28/2008 5:04:00 PM	A real sense of community when it comes to the education of the children.
688.	10/28/2008 5:04:00 PM	It's a long road to success but we are moving in the right direction.
689.	10/28/2008 5:04:00 PM	THere is a great lack of incorporated into the learning process in our schools. Educators need to be trained and hardware needs to be purchased for full implementation in all classrooms.
690.	10/28/2008 5:05:00 PM	Education in Alaska is what a student makes of it. In that sense it is no different than any where else if students take advantage of opportunities given to them.
691.	10/28/2008 5:09:00 PM	it used to be on the cutting edge it has fallen off
692.	10/28/2008 5:10:00 PM	It is a different method of teaching. It deals with a strong idealism of culture, community, and patience with all students.
693.	10/28/2008 5:10:00 PM	It needs some work to improve the system.
694.	10/28/2008 5:12:00 PM	Please help change the retirement system to keep educators in our state.
695.	10/28/2008 5:15:00 PM	I think that education in Alaska has numerous of strengths and weaknesses. I strength is that the student/teacher ratio is good to get extra help and that teachers are willing to help students more so than if more students. The teachers are very good and have a good attitudes toward providing the best for the students.
696.	10/28/2008 5:15:00 PM	The educational experiences of our two sons (They have already graduated from the public school system.) was quite good.
697.	10/28/2008 5:15:00 PM	I think you have some great teachers, I think you look down on them though and do not give them enough credit. We have so many choices for kids and we are trying to find what works for each child but sometimes we have to many choices and parents have way to much power, they do not always know what it best.
698.	10/28/2008 5:17:00 PM	I am an indigenous language teacher. My experience as such has impacted the views I am stating. Education was a challenge for me when I attended years ago. Same sort of issues still exist today. It would be beneficial if teachers who come to teach in rural Alaska would take courses that explain the different cultures and life in rural Alaska.
699.	10/28/2008 5:20:00 PM	Education in rural Alaska is failing. Students are marginalized and not responding to the curriculum because it is not real. Middle and high school students come to school with low motivation levels and are not being challenged to prepare themselves for a successful future. The middle and high school curriculum is static and not responsive to the real needs of the students. Parents are not in tune with middle and high school. They do not actively participate in the process.
700.	10/28/2008 5:23:00 PM	I just see too many young kids dropping out of high school. It should not be an option to drop out, but if learning issues are not addressed early on, there seems to be no way to correct it.
701.	10/28/2008 5:25:00 PM	I feel that educators, particularly in smaller communities, provide caring and nurture to the child as a whole.
702.	10/28/2008 5:46:00 PM	According to the Alaska Constitution, school funding is mandated. Elected officials need to full fund education prior to the upcoming school year.
703.	10/28/2008 5:46:00 PM	There is a lot of money spent to provide schools and create opportunity for students. Somehow, enthusiasm and a burning desire to learn and achieve needs to be instilled early on and maintained to the end of high school and beyond. I think parents have the most to do with this, but a great many are sadly lacking.
704.	10/28/2008 5:47:00 PM	We have many concerned educators who are working hard to help our young people move forward. It's easy for some members of the general public to focus on the negatives, but there are many good things happening in our schools every day. Our young people deserve our continued support to do well and move forward.
705.	10/28/2008 5:48:00 PM	State infrastructure needs to be addressed.
706.	10/28/2008 5:49:00 PM	Funding. Funding. Funding. More funding.
707.	10/28/2008 5:50:00 PM	Many dedicated educators are working hard to produce a quality product but we need funding, employment possibilities, and dedication from home.
708.	10/28/2008 5:52:00 PM	It is working very well for those that choose to participate.
709.	10/28/2008 5:53:00 PM	English is the Primary language in the business world. Put more emphasis on learning and using it properly.
710.	10/28/2008 6:13:00 PM	It lacks an emphasis on discipline at the employee level which then is relayed to the students by example.
711.	10/28/2008 6:15:00 PM	We have a long way to go and I appreciate the opportunity to fill out this survey.
712.	10/28/2008 6:21:00 PM	We have a unique situation, circumstances and challenges given our geographic differences and so many communities off the road system. But we also have a unique opportuntiy to change the way education happens in Alaska. The thing that most people don't realize is our greatest resourse is not oil and gas, it's the people who inhabit this state. The more we can do for each others, the more they can do for Alaska!
713.	10/28/2008 6:22:00 PM	Everyone is working very hard and not feeling as if they are being respected and appreciated. It can become very stressful during testing time.
714.	10/28/2008 6:31:00 PM	Rural areas continue to struggle with quality teachers, turnover and Quality schools model.
715.	10/28/2008 6:31:00 PM	All administrators, teachers, and school staff need to have cultural sensitivity, culturally responsive education training by a person who is culturally diverse.
716.	10/28/2008 6:33:00 PM	I recently moved from Florida, and think that Alaska's educational system is light years ahead of my previous home state's.
717.	10/28/2008 6:33:00 PM	There are many, many dedicated professionals working across the state to educate our youth. HOwever, too much time is spent on testing that schould be used for learning and instruction. The more we personalize our education system for each student the greater impact we will have on building a positive future for ourselves and our communities. High expectations and the support to achieve them are the gift we can give our children.
718.	10/28/2008 6:42:00 PM	I know that my husband and I grew up in an education system here in rural Alaska where the teachers provided an education and prepared us for the world beyond high school. As the years went by there has been less and less of that occurring. Teachers are not here for the long haul- some don't even last the first month. We had, until recently (within the last 15 years) teachers retiring after 20 years in rural schools. We now have teachers here for 1, maybe 2 years or more if we are lucky. Long term educators are not making it out in rural areas. I know that there are still long term educators in Anchorage because when my children were in school there briefly, there were teachers there from my era.
719.	10/28/2008 6:43:00 PM	I'ld like the goal to be well-trained and productive citizens who may or may not have a diploma.
720.	10/28/2008 6:46:00 PM	kids need to learn skills to help in everyday life; they need mentors and positive role models
721.	10/28/2008 6:48:00 PM	I am very disappointed with how the teachers/teacher assistants have been and are treated. We are not treated as professionals - economically. I know that this is nationwide problem as well. Given our remote location,Alaska has even more of a need to increase the pay and elevate teaching to a more professional occupation. Promises were made in the early 90s and never kept. The quality of teachers has diminished severely due to the low pay. When the pay was higher we were able to draw better and more teachers up here. We are not competitive with the lower 48, nor do we offer enticing incentives, added bonuses. Perhaps in the bush there is some incentive, still not near enough, and the urban areas need quality teachers more and more (especially with the In-Migration that is occurring at a more rapid rate than ever) and the incentive is NOT there. In fact, teachers are leaving because of this. Special Education Teachers are a critical shortage, ESPECIALLY for the increasing FAS/ARND population. I am a Special Education teacher and, along with other teachers I know, will be relocating as soon as my partner finds a position elsewhere - because of these reasons.
722.	10/28/2008 6:56:00 PM	My experience with two children in the Anchorage School district is that if a child's educational needs fit into the usual programs at school, then it is fine. If they don't, then they are left out.
723.	10/28/2008 7:01:00 PM	1) Choice or charter schools that are not centrally located in a community, do not offer transportation or that demand working hours parental time commitments are simply state-funded exclusive private schools and not s "choice" for all. 2) We need to look intelligently and deeply at the future and be creative and proactive about how to spend our copious money. There are exciting models world-wide for daring, well-reasoned minds. 3) Volunteer programs work. For proof look at this site: http://www.826national.org/
724.	10/28/2008 7:01:00 PM	It may be tough for students to do well without rural support.
725.	10/28/2008 7:17:00 PM	Given the choice of my existing school district, I would prefer to home school. I'm concerned about my child receiving a substandard education but since I have to work full time to support my family, homeschooling is not an option. I would hope that the State can recognize the unique challanges that face remote school districts.
726.	10/28/2008 7:20:00 PM	Please investigate Anchorage Special Edcation. It is really bad and no one seems to care. I believe there is an assumption we are just parents and do not really know what is best for our child.
727.	10/28/2008 7:22:00 PM	I am a teacher and a parent and over the years I have seen very expensive decisions made with very little independent thought put towards them. It is very frustrating to be forced to use a program and then be told that it actually wasn't designed to help students become more successful. Decisions regarding curriculum and instruction should go to the teachers in the classroom, not those who have already left the children and gone into administration.
728.	10/28/2008 7:28:00 PM	Alaska History should be a credit requirement for graduation. We also need to provide high school students more information on their secondary education options after high school and we need to make sure they are prepared for the journey into adulthood. I've seen too many students from my community leave and not have real expectations for what they are embarking on. They have no real life skills such as being able to fill out a job application and do a job interview. We need to prepare them for jobs as well as college. With regards to early education, every community both big and small should have an early education program. Ours was cut years ago and it has been detrimental to our community.
729.	10/28/2008 7:28:00 PM	The graduation rate needs to be improved.
730.	10/28/2008 7:30:00 PM	The people who live in rural Alaska need to speak up and work with DOEED to improve educational opportunities for their children.
731.	10/28/2008 7:36:00 PM	We should go back to having vocational technology classes. Not every student is college bound...there should be programs for all students to prepare for the work force.
732.	10/28/2008 7:40:00 PM	Education in Alaska could greatly improve. We have the resources, but too much administration to do any good. Get more teachers and less administrators!
733.	10/28/2008 7:42:00 PM	See #12 above. Alaska is way behind other states in Early Childhood Education. We have lost Even Start programs, Early Head Start programs, Healthy Families programs, and now we are losing Parents as Teachers programs. It's a shame for families to lose these high-quality home visitation opportunities which are the only ones that work with families when their babies' brains are growing so rapidly. We have lost ground and No Child Left Behind is useless when children are not ready for Kindergarten when they enter.
734.	10/28/2008 7:43:00 PM	Our emphasis on academics has resulted in many of our youth feeling detached and uninterested. We need to focus efforts on teaching academics with a purpose other than doing well on a test.
735.	10/28/2008 7:48:00 PM	While I am grateful to see the basic needs of children being met through schools, I do not want to see basic academics pushed to the side. If we do not educate our children we will promote another generation of parents who do not have the skills to provide for their families.
736.	10/28/2008 7:50:00 PM	We need better preperation between high school and college. The high school kids aren't ready for college and have a very high failure rate. Again, raise the standards, raise expectations, and hire more teachers to help the failing kids succeed. Don't dump all the arts and other non-core classes. Educated curious citizens need more than just math, reading and writing.
737.	10/28/2008 7:54:00 PM	Our classrooms seem modeled after College classes, all talking and the children bring home a lot of their work. If our teachers taught in the classroom, where children could receive the help they need, our standards would be higher. I believe with the amount of homework, plus extra curricular activities, children are burnt out. Especially with many families having two working parents, 3 children with homework is an arduous task, when you want to have a little dinner time to relax. Parents get burnt out too and aren't as supportive of their school system.
738.	10/28/2008 7:56:00 PM	It makes me mad that they watch more tv at school then we do at home. It makes me mad that the number of parties, field trips, break days, ect. that occur and then 5 year olds are sent home with reams of homework because their is not enough time for instruction in the classroom. It makes me mad that school lunches are full of processed junk that I don't want my kids eating and then they send home nutrician advice for me! It makes me mad that the teachers don't want to work the weeks before school get out so they plan 'alternate activities' and then say it is because the kids arn't focused. It really makes me mad that we get repeated requests to send our kids to school in full winter gear everyday and the school says they don't have enough supervision to send them home with the clothes they arrived in. Whew. That felt good:)
739.	10/28/2008 7:57:00 PM	Beyond priorities I already indicated I think it imperative to build a system that makes learning outside the classroom relevant. For example, most homework assignments given students in Alaska are not mapped to the skill sets of the student. Schools regularly send homework assignments home with students that do not have the requisite skills to carry out the task.
740.	10/28/2008 8:16:00 PM	I believe that we need to instill in our very young ones that school is important. Families need to be involved at every level. As students get older it is harder to keep them engaged and wanting to learn. I feel that often times they know people have given up on them and then give up on themselves.
741.	10/28/2008 8:22:00 PM	I am glad the "leveling" of grades was done away with, that did more harm than good for both higher and lower than grade level children.
742.	10/28/2008 8:32:00 PM	It is important to start early with children in regards to education. We need to have plenty of opportunities for early childhood education either in all schools (preschools) or day care facilities.
743.	10/28/2008 8:38:00 PM	Education starts in the home, before the children get to school. There needs to be a way to get this point across and start from a very young age about the importance of education. Families should play a vital role in education from K-12 grades. When my daughter went to middle school I had no idea her classes were picked I would have liked to be part of this process. I often wonder about those students who do not have an advocate,for whatever reason to voice their concerns about their child. the schools want parents/families to put education first, it is about time that the schools start including the families more and put them first. Parents are their first and best teachers. We all need to work together to ensure that our children are getting what they need.
744.	10/28/2008 8:42:00 PM	Parents need to be held more accountable.
745.	10/28/2008 8:44:00 PM	We have students who are in need of help in the rural villages. They need teachers and counselors who are from the rural villages to help them not only academically but emotionally. The counselors who are not from AK and come into the rural community don't understand the upbringing of the children to help them cope with problems at home. Therefore, we need more funding to help lower income rural villagers recieve a fair chance to graduate with a degree.
746.	10/28/2008 8:49:00 PM	We have many, many challenges in demographics, social ills, cultural diversity, etc., yet, nevertheless, still remain at or above the national average in a number of categories. My hope is that we can not only maintain this mark but continue to rise above national benchmarks.
747.	10/28/2008 8:53:00 PM	I think that vocational education needs to be brought back into schools. Not everyone is going to attend college and we need to provide for those students as well. Doing so will provide a younger workforce right out of high school, we can decrease our dependancy on out of state workers, and I think that learning a trade will increase student retention in high school.
748.	10/28/2008 9:02:00 PM	nothing i can think of
749.	10/28/2008 9:02:00 PM	It is apperently worse than schools down south, but the food is better here.
750.	10/28/2008 9:23:00 PM	Rural education is an absolute embarrasment, largely because teachers are given little or no education or support for living in the bush. It’s unreal to expect New Yorkers to adjust to life in the bush without having been taught the basics of Eskimo and Indian culture. Teachers who spend more years working in the bush should be rewarded, not used up and thrown away like toilet paper.
751.	10/28/2008 9:24:00 PM	Achievement will never improve, for many students, until their language bases are increased. This needs to begin in the primary grades, developing the content language through listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities. In this way, students should not arrive in high school language-delated.
752.	10/28/2008 9:29:00 PM	These are great kids, every last one of them...we do need to pay more attention to designing programs that can reach out to everyone, academic and vocational both.
753.	10/28/2008 9:31:00 PM	K-12 education goals that address student learning needs should be identified identified and promoted. I believe if we "raise the academic bar" students will rise to the challenge beyond our expectations.
754.	10/28/2008 9:41:00 PM	The fact that people in the district I am in support education can be seen in one measure by the number of bonds they have approved over the last 20 years.
755.	10/28/2008 9:47:00 PM	All of our geographic, cultural and financial challenges are exactly what can make for incredible opportunities for Alaskans in education. Engagement is the key. Students must feel they own their education and see a purpose for it. If we take an openhearted, collaborative, creative and honest approach in teaching children how to find and develop their passions in life long learning, the educational community has succeeded. Then, young graduates will turn their learning drive into jobs and a way of life they enjoy, where they feel, and are, very important to our community.
756.	10/28/2008 10:01:00 PM	Funding is wasted by administration. Often times monies that have been designated for the classroom do not make it into the classroom. The money is absorb by the administration for administration costs - what a waste.
757.	10/28/2008 10:05:00 PM	Alasksa needs secure, advance funding that is keyed to 21st century learning concepts. We need to be ahead of the game, not always trying to catch up.
758.	10/28/2008 10:07:00 PM	The remote communities need more support to attract and retain qualified teachers.
759.	10/28/2008 10:14:00 PM	Please reduce class size in Anchorage, get rid of teachers who are not educating our kids properly (tenure doesn't mean qualified) and encourage before and after school enrichment for all kids.
760.	10/28/2008 10:15:00 PM	I've always believed that there should be a strong connection to the community so that we are all providing our students with the self esteem they need to believe in them self and their abilities. I believe it's called asset building.
761.	10/28/2008 10:30:00 PM	there is a lot of good stuff going on!
762.	10/28/2008 10:34:00 PM	Teachers work much harder here and spend more of their own money on teaching materials than teachers did in my previous state.
763.	10/28/2008 10:37:00 PM	See # 11.
764.	10/28/2008 10:47:00 PM	Students in the rural areas of Alaska have lots of knowledge about life in their area. This knowledge is not necessarily valued or validated in the public school system which has always favored western knowledge.
765.	10/28/2008 10:49:00 PM	There is room for a whole lot of improvement.
766.	10/28/2008 11:04:00 PM	It seems like we hire a lot of out-of-state educators instead of in-state.
767.	10/28/2008 11:11:00 PM	Too focused on just gettng kids through the system rather than providing education.
768.	10/28/2008 11:23:00 PM	SMaller rural sites need more funding for wider variety of courses.
769.	10/28/2008 11:24:00 PM	Large class sizes and the lack of capacity to truly meet indiviudual children's needs requires some changes. Resources need to be given to early childhood programs to ensure that children are in quality learning environments when their brains are rapidly growing and making connections. You can not get the early years back, they are what contributes to a child's success and our state's economical success.
770.	10/28/2008 11:30:00 PM	Education in Alaska needs to be more competitive on a global basis.
771.	10/28/2008 11:36:00 PM	There is an achievement gap between rural and urban areas of the state.
772.	10/28/2008 11:38:00 PM	Alaska must address the low salaries of educators if we are to stem the tide of teacher/administrator turnover in Alaska.
773.	10/28/2008 11:39:00 PM	Tenure teachers are sometimes the downfall to education.
774.	10/28/2008 11:51:00 PM	Alaskan children continue to be pulled from public schools to attend private 'safe' schools. Parents who put their children first know that public school classrooms are often ruled by the misbehavior or one or more children. Standards, goals, expectations mean nothing if one child's behavior impacts 25 others.
775.	10/28/2008 11:58:00 PM	We are a melting pot, and teachers need more training in cultural awareness.
776.	10/29/2008 12:06:00 AM	???
777.	10/29/2008 12:11:00 AM	It should be the #1 priority of the State.
778.	10/29/2008 12:25:00 AM	Alaska's schools should be world-class, but are not. Alaska's certification process is completely and unnecessarily time consuming and difficult. It's not difficult to understand why more people don't teach. The State of Alaska actually discourages it, especially among adults (non college-age)!
779.	10/29/2008 12:32:00 AM	Over all, it sucks! ASD only is out to cover their own asses. They are not about the kids. I've seen it up close.
780.	10/29/2008 12:40:00 AM	We need to inspire hope in our children. Hope for a better way of life through education. Parents and community members need to be more involved in their children's education.
781.	10/29/2008 12:42:00 AM	Education has become a "mile wide and an inch deep" in terms of focus in any topic. There is too much material to cover. Teachers need quality support in classrooms to deal with the behavior problems in schools (counsellors, social workers, nurses, etc.). The State needs to put money into Parent Education programs.
782.	10/29/2008 12:48:00 AM	Educational institutions for the most part continue to be run by well intended non native educators who think that they are doing what is best for Alaska Native students. Often they cannot communicate well with native students or with the parents of native students. Until such time as the native community is an integral part of the policy making team, we can only expect the continual failure of our educational systems.
783.	10/29/2008 12:56:00 AM	I'm happy that there are high standards for student success.
784.	10/29/2008 1:12:00 AM	Develop a system that retain good educators.
785.	10/29/2008 1:57:00 AM	Alaska has the potential to lead the nation in education.
786.	10/29/2008 2:02:00 AM	whew, I think I'm spent answering all these questions, I can't think of anything else.
787.	10/29/2008 2:21:00 AM	i am having a good time watch my child grow and learn in alaska
788.	10/29/2008 3:01:00 AM	I wish more of the cooporations would contribute more money to education. Some schools only contribute the minimum amount towards education.
789.	10/29/2008 3:55:00 AM	There is a great need for practical training, school-to-job situations for students who are not on an academic path.
790.	10/29/2008 3:59:00 AM	It needs real change. It works fairly well for about one third of the kids, at the very top and very bottom. Those in the middle are not being well served, they are falling through the cracks.
791.	10/29/2008 4:52:00 AM	It is strong, but we still need direct group instruction. Putting every school on the "Chugach model" is not the "best practice" for every child. Do not throw out the baby with the bath water; yes, a cliche, but a very apt one.
792.	10/29/2008 5:00:00 AM	D.istricts need more money
793.	10/29/2008 6:03:00 AM	Please put more focus on quality early childhood programs and make them easy access for all children - not daycare - QUALITY programs that involve parents.
794.	10/29/2008 6:34:00 AM	Education in Alaska is unique. I think that there is a lot of room for improvement in rural Alaska by strictly enforcing attendance.
795.	10/29/2008 7:04:00 AM	Lets fund education fully and implement the icer study to help offset the cost of rural education. Rural Alaska is important to the state and without education opportunities families move to larger cities and that is hard on all.
796.	10/29/2008 7:16:00 AM	The general Alaskan public still seems to think that a good living may be earned without a rigorous education. There isn't an understanding about the effect of global competition on the Alaskan economy. A public education campaign is needed to inform the Alaskan citizens about how our state and individual economic livelihood is dependent on the preparedness of our citizens.
797.	10/29/2008 8:01:00 AM	It has improved - at least the buildings are nicer. We need to teach to the learning different and that will improve our literacy rate and prevent substance abuse and violence in many cases. Gee we can reduce our scary statistics if we concentrate more on reading and writing and becoming a good person. More gym......naw....only for the kids in the lower 48......who do not even have playgrounds and we wonder why the weight problem?? Let's be a leader in education - everyone learns to read and write well then crime goes down.
798.	10/29/2008 1:22:00 PM	The system for earning a diploma now is too restrictive. There should be multiple diploma types with specific requirements for each--advanced academic, academic, vocational, technical.
799.	10/29/2008 3:43:00 PM	From what I have seen boarding schools are doing a very good job getting students to school, and staying in school to graduate.
800.	10/29/2008 3:52:00 PM	I think educational programs in Alaska can be improved with the help of more funding and providing assistance in the areas that are sorely needed.
801.	10/29/2008 4:03:00 PM	Need better post graduate studies at affordable rates.
802.	10/29/2008 4:03:00 PM	We, as a state. have to keep one step ahead of the lower 48. We are going to loose good teachers, and families if we continue at the present rate of funding, etc.
803.	10/29/2008 4:08:00 PM	Alaska is relatively small and therefore communities can have an impact on the "system". We need to have involvement from our parents, community leaders, and students in designing programs that hold students interest and develop skills for them to be successful in life.
804.	10/29/2008 4:52:00 PM	I would like you to tell me how I can find a personal benefactor like North Slope did. Instead of using the money for football camps, we could use the money to help pay some of our deficit.
805.	10/29/2008 4:52:00 PM	I want tell that people very good learning and trying to have good grades.
806.	10/29/2008 5:07:00 PM	Most schools here are good for students and there are now students going on to higher education.
807.	10/29/2008 5:08:00 PM	There needs to be a constant evaluation of how we can improve. The system is not perfect, but if we are constantly moving to improve and make it perfect; that is all we can do. The most important thing in any system is that you recognize that students and parents are the owners of this institution and that we need to allow their voice to be heard. By hearing from them what they need to be successful you allow them to take ownership of their education.
808.	10/29/2008 5:25:00 PM	It needs to change. That we need programs that help the rural kids in and out of the community they have grown up in. We need the SEWARD avtec programs in our schools so kids don't drop out of school at a young age. We need more then good teachers to keep them in school we need flexible staff and parents that see things outside the box.
809.	10/29/2008 5:25:00 PM	Teachers must focus on teaching students how to pass assessment testing for AYP, which is not how a teacher should focus their planning.
810.	10/29/2008 5:28:00 PM	need forward funding for schools
811.	10/29/2008 5:39:00 PM	Teachers are not overpaid and especially Superintendents are not overpaid. Teachers need to have more options in discipline and should never be restricted to a 'one size fits all' type of curriculum.
812.	10/29/2008 5:42:00 PM	I would love to see the elders have more of an impact on our education.
813.	10/29/2008 5:45:00 PM	That it for the most part still engages in the same factory system that was created over 100 years ago- no depth to the curriculum -learn a little about everything but never know a lot about what you love, the focus on memorization over critical thinking, problem-solving and ignoring the strengths and what self-motivates an individual child at any given time.
814.	10/29/2008 6:04:00 PM	Don't STOP thinkng about TOmorrrow
815.	10/29/2008 6:15:00 PM	see # 12. I am a graduate of Uof A (Fbks, Juneau, Anch) with an MPA. I found myself very competitive in Wash DC, NYC, with many ivy league grads. Why, because I have a much more pragmatic understanding of the world and how it worked. Not just an academic perspective. I've taught in colleges and in the private sector as well.
816.	10/29/2008 6:27:00 PM	I think Alaska has wonderful educators and I would like to make sure that the Statewide Teacher Mentor Program continues to exist to help retain our current teachers and make them want to grow in their teaching practices.
817.	10/29/2008 6:27:00 PM	That I am disappointed in the lack of concern that teachers have to push thier students to strive for the best and not just letting them slide by.
818.	10/29/2008 6:38:00 PM	We need to pick up the pace if our graduates are going to compete with people from all over the world. The future prospect of "Native preference" jobs and preferential college admissions based on ethnicity is decreasing our students' competitiveness and drive. There is a sense of entitlement in our Native people that is detrimental to all our State organizations, including schools, when we choose NOT to hire the most qualified person for every position, but instead choose employees based on ethnicity rather than skills.
819.	10/29/2008 6:45:00 PM	Needs better funding, more technical/vocational programs.....
820.	10/29/2008 6:47:00 PM	I decided to homeschool. It was too stressful having to deal with the public school environment.
821.	10/29/2008 6:53:00 PM	We need to do it together. We all need to view education as a priority and as a need not as a priviledge.
822.	10/29/2008 6:56:00 PM	Childfind is lacking and comprehensive evaluation is typically missing the mark when it comes to appropriate identification of child needs.
823.	10/29/2008 6:58:00 PM	Get rid of the clubs such as Gay/Lesbian and any club that is not beneficial to the academic achievement of the student. Serve real lunches or have salad bars.
824.	10/29/2008 7:00:00 PM	It is good to see everybody is getting education in their village.They don't have to travel the way people used to do in past.
825.	10/29/2008 7:10:00 PM	Overall, I believe the local educational systems works fairly effectively. I do believe there is a disconnect between the state education agency and school districts. My belief is that the state should be working toward support and collaboration with districts rather than heavy handed direct oversight and punitive measures to force districts to meet regulations. more conversation is needed with staff working directly in the education arena prior to making decisions that only create more work and chaos.
826.	10/29/2008 7:11:00 PM	Without funding the best and brightest minds wont choose education as a career choise, and our students will suffer because of it.
827.	10/29/2008 7:12:00 PM	More emphasis needs to be on making education relevant to all the students. Children who are going to be in everyday jobs need to be connected to why education is important to them.
828.	10/29/2008 7:14:00 PM	nothing.
829.	10/29/2008 7:17:00 PM	teachers need to be more educated
830.	10/29/2008 7:17:00 PM	I would like to tell you that education in alaska is good but, could use a little adjustments.
831.	10/29/2008 7:18:00 PM	Nothing.
832.	10/29/2008 7:18:00 PM	It is great as far as I know. Maybe not everywhere, but mostly.
833.	10/29/2008 7:29:00 PM	it is alright.
834.	10/29/2008 7:31:00 PM	there is not engouht time to eat food at lunch
835.	10/29/2008 7:33:00 PM	The children aren't always kind and respectful.
836.	10/29/2008 7:37:00 PM	To many teacher have favorites. They way they treat students and families. The totem staff (Classified) don't get paid enough money for all the hard work that they do with the students and the way the Certified treat them. (Looking down their noses at them). The principal aalso treat them the same way. Now when somebody calls to talk to a Classified staff Certified make sure that they talk to their favorites too.
837.	10/29/2008 7:42:00 PM	Teachers need to be excited and energetic about what they teach. If the teachers sound boring then the students get bored and don't pay attention.
838.	10/29/2008 7:45:00 PM	With the ever changing technolgy upon us, it would be nice to see children being able to use a laptop to take home for their homework.
839.	10/29/2008 7:48:00 PM	NOTHING
840.	10/29/2008 7:54:00 PM	Districts and elected officials need to know more about the public schools land trust and its potential for sustainable school systems in our state.
841.	10/29/2008 7:58:00 PM	I think that teachers need to be better equipped to meet the very diverse learning needs of their students from lowest to the highest achieving. Training and smaller class sizes would help.
842.	10/29/2008 8:02:00 PM	We need education in order to help our people evolve and grow into more than they were yesterday. We need not create credentialing processes that are so anal that people can't pass the tests. We need to take into consideration indigenous cultures ability to pass western way testing processes.
843.	10/29/2008 8:18:00 PM	Shared leadership is important, although it is often seemingly "slower." New and upcoming technologies allow us to collaborate and communicate more and more effectively but there is still a long way to go. Paradigm shifts and infrastructure still needed.
844.	10/29/2008 8:18:00 PM	The "No Child Left Behind" theory doesn't work for everyone. The children who need more challenging work are the ones being left behind. We should never settle for being average. There are so many children who are being left behind...of their full potential!
845.	10/29/2008 8:21:00 PM	Education should be about the children. When down sizing due to budget cuts, we shouldn't cut from the children like; physical education, music, library, or aides... How about down sizing the big money as in the district office like; secretaries, assist. super intendant or principle, or curriculm director... Let's put more work on the office staff instead of taking from our children.
846.	10/29/2008 8:22:00 PM	Alaskan's care about their children and the education they are receiving. Students in rural Alaska still deal with prejudism. We need teachers who love to teach and inspire youth. We do have well-intended people who should not be teaching. Teachers need to be paid appropriately. Just because a teacher is tenured doesn't mean they should still be teaching.
847.	10/29/2008 8:29:00 PM	nada...
848.	10/29/2008 8:31:00 PM	NCLB has brought much needed attention to rural Alaska education and its constituency, the students. Parents and community members have slowly begun to realize that education of their students are also their responsibility.
849.	10/29/2008 8:42:00 PM	More incentive for local districts to spend money on teacher professional development. Tighter controll and regulation of homeschool programs. There are varying degrees of homeschool qualtiy and they should have to meet the same standards classroom teachers have to meet.
850.	10/29/2008 8:43:00 PM	That there needs to be some improvement. It is not just one side of town that deserves school district attention, but all areas of town.
851.	10/29/2008 8:45:00 PM	We have quality teachers. We have rigorous courses and high expectations that allow any of our students to succeed at the best colleges in the nation. We must, however support a more relevant or personalized approach for the average student in this state.
852.	10/29/2008 8:50:00 PM	The educational system in Alaska is one of the best I've worked in in the states. However, certifying teachers in Alaska is one of the most unuserfriendly (if there is a word) one in the nation. If we are to truly certify teachers for Alaska then we need to train them just like the Peace Corps. The current requirements for certification in Alaska is not relevant to Bush schools or the state for that matter. There is a bottle-neck at the certification process that is not helping schools out in acquiring teachers in rural Alaska.
853.	10/29/2008 8:56:00 PM	we need parents more involved with the childrens schools. volunteer time would be great.
854.	10/29/2008 9:16:00 PM	Stop trying to make every student learn in the same way. Some students do not have the capability to learn everything that is required on those standardized tests.
855.	10/29/2008 9:28:00 PM	Kids in special education are being left behind. Many of the jobs available now require a high school diploma or GED. These kids are now graduating with a certificate of attendance and cannot pass the GED exams, which then results in not meeting the minimum qualifications for jobs.
856.	10/29/2008 9:29:00 PM	Our standards are too low when benchmarked with other states and countries. I would delete the Exit Exam requirement and increase the standards. I would like national standards based on the NAEP or something similar so we could truly measure ourselves across all the states.
857.	10/29/2008 9:35:00 PM	Discipline issues need improvement. Basics need to be taught. Special Education programs need to be reviewed and improved. Counseling programs need to be available.
858.	10/29/2008 9:41:00 PM	My children received a very good K-12 education at Hoonah City Schools.
859.	10/29/2008 9:41:00 PM	See statements made above.
860.	10/29/2008 9:41:00 PM	It has the opportunity to offer the most diverse population to share and learn from.
861.	10/29/2008 9:43:00 PM	Educators work hard to meet the needs of their students
862.	10/29/2008 9:43:00 PM	Realize how good the teachers and students have it, because not all school districts are like this.
863.	10/29/2008 9:44:00 PM	The state needs to return control for certain programs to the local school districts so that more specific needs can be properly addressed. The NCLB standards do meet the real needs of the academic population in our state. We need to push tolerance and acceptance of our diverse population in ALL areas of the state.
864.	10/29/2008 9:44:00 PM	It is more challenging in every way than in the lower 48 and should receive more federal dollars.
865.	10/29/2008 9:44:00 PM	You must address racial bias.
866.	10/29/2008 9:45:00 PM	The majority of teachers and students work very hard. There are always lots of programs for under and over achieving students. Just don't forget about those who are in the middle.
867.	10/29/2008 9:45:00 PM	My children are receiving a quality education at their neighborhood schools.
868.	10/29/2008 9:45:00 PM	More math and science, less English. The fundamentals of English are fairly well known by the time students reach high school. The extra attention can be focused elsewhere.
869.	10/29/2008 9:45:00 PM	All students don't have the same needs or interests, don't make all students fit through the same pigeon hole to be labeled "successful". Graduates and test passers can fail in life and those who fail the tests can succeed. We should look at developing successful, creative, and resilient children.
870.	10/29/2008 9:46:00 PM	My sons have certainly been blessed to have quality educators who care!
871.	10/29/2008 9:47:00 PM	We have some of the nation's best schools and some of its worst schools. While the SBAs may measure some aspects of education well, they do so at the cost of 4 days of instruction, which is a shame.
872.	10/29/2008 9:47:00 PM	As compared to the lower 48, I feel that a young person can receive an excellent education by attending most any public school in Alaska.
873.	10/29/2008 9:47:00 PM	It is superb compared to the lower 48.
874.	10/29/2008 9:48:00 PM	It has diverse challenges and NCLB does not fit our population nor our needs.
875.	10/29/2008 9:48:00 PM	I'm proud to have been educated K - University in Alaska and to be a teacher amongst dedicated professionals who stive to improve our society.
876.	10/29/2008 9:49:00 PM	When a teacher mid way on the pay scale makes more than the Direct of Special Education for the state, I think we have a problem. We need quality people running the show and you have to provide a decent wage to pull them in.
877.	10/29/2008 9:48:00 PM	It works.
878.	10/29/2008 9:50:00 PM	More comments--in urban areas class size really is a problem. With our huge immigrant influx and changing demographics, ELL and poverty, we just need smaller classes and--yes, aides in all K-6 classrooms. I hear from teachers--curriculum is good but can't teach effectively with just one teacher and 30+ little kids. AK rich despite our whining; we can do it!
879.	10/29/2008 9:50:00 PM	It needs to be more consistent.
880.	10/29/2008 9:50:00 PM	I think we need to make sure that we aren't focusing on teaching to the tests at the expense of giving students an education which fosters a love of learning. I am conserned that science curriculum in the elementary schools has in many cases shrunk to practically nothing. We can teach reading, writing, and math while teaching science, social studies, art etc. too.
881.	10/29/2008 9:51:00 PM	Teachers need more support in the class room they are being asked to do far to much on their own.
882.	10/29/2008 9:51:00 PM	We simply MUST require? higher educational standards for our students so they can compete in the world but, more importantly, utilize their native intelligence (wherever this may be measured or from which culture they are from) so they can actually LEARN and APPLY what they learn.
883.	10/29/2008 9:51:00 PM	I am caretaker of my 5 yr old granddaughter and have her in private school which accomodates the need for an after school program which allows me to work from 8 -5. It would be nice if public schools could accomodate with after school programs more. She is learning much more at a much faster rate in the private school.
884.	10/29/2008 9:51:00 PM	It needs reform.
885.	10/29/2008 9:52:00 PM	Public education is greatly limited because many kids come to school to socialize not to learn.
886.	10/29/2008 9:52:00 PM	It is good but could be better. We all need to strive to do better, strive for excellence.
887.	10/29/2008 9:52:00 PM	Our universities should be world class, they're not.
888.	10/29/2008 9:53:00 PM	We are doing a great disservice to the majority of Alaskan students by not offering more vocational training programs. Schools focus on sending kids off to college, when in reality, a small percentage complete a college education. We are not preparing them for life. It would be so much better to have real life situations on the HSGQE (if we have to continue having these tests) than to know if a student can do Algebra. We send our children off with no skills for managing their money and preparing them for the "real" world.
889.	10/29/2008 9:53:00 PM	I feel that it is easier to understand what skills the child knows and what they need to know next through skills reporting.
890.	10/29/2008 9:53:00 PM	I think we need to put more pressure on parental involvement in the child's education. Teacher's are held responsible for student academics, so should parents.
891.	10/29/2008 9:53:00 PM	Need more post secondary and graduate options
892.	10/29/2008 9:53:00 PM	The needs and resources are so different within the state of AK. However the needs and resources are so different just within one school district as well.
893.	10/29/2008 9:55:00 PM	It open our eyes to a lot of thing that the lower 48 states see all the time.
894.	10/29/2008 9:55:00 PM	I think that education is never going to be funded properly unless we start making plans right now to fund for the future. A permenant education fund might be a good use of some of the excess oil revenues and it would hopefully releive some of the pressure in the long run on the state budget.
895.	10/29/2008 9:56:00 PM	I feel fortunate that my children have been taught in exceptional schools and I also am fortunate to work in a school that is dynamic and supportive to students, staff and families.
896.	10/29/2008 9:57:00 PM	We need more discipline and control of the students. Higher expectations and accountability.
897.	10/29/2008 9:58:00 PM	Every child should complete a home economics course and a shop class regardless of gender by grade 12. Students need to be taught how to read in the content area. Students need to have art, music, science and PE in elementary school. Students at all levels need to be held to a high standard of performance.
898.	10/29/2008 9:59:00 PM	The education provided by teachers and paraprofessionals can only be truly effective with the wholehearted support of parents. Without the necessary support system at home, students are very difficult to educate.
899.	10/29/2008 9:59:00 PM	The schools are still good here, but I think we should teach the highest level we can and not dumb down curriculum. In order to do this we need a strong pre-k and elementary program.
900.	10/29/2008 9:59:00 PM	We need higher emphasis on early childhood programs for all children, mandated by and financially provided by the state.
901.	10/29/2008 9:59:00 PM	Keep at it!
902.	10/29/2008 9:59:00 PM	Education in Alaska is over-all is very good, but we can achieve more if we emphasize and teach discipline as part of education because in not doing so, we are education generations of people who cannot adapt to the outside society and further, may change the whole relm of society which does not necessarily guarantee successful and productive society.
903.	10/29/2008 9:59:00 PM	We need smaller class sizes.
904.	10/29/2008 9:59:00 PM	Principals and principles are very important The rest of the school environment flows from the enery of the principal he/she needs to be involved in every aspect, keeping teachers encouraged, supported, and staying on task which is kids!
905.	10/29/2008 10:00:00 PM	Alaska needs to provide more preschools and early learning opportunities that can help prepare our children for being ready for kindergarten.
906.	10/29/2008 10:00:00 PM	How to help rural kids see a bigger world than their villages?
907.	10/29/2008 10:01:00 PM	I can only speak for the Anchorage School District and they have done an admirable job meeting needs of students.
908.	10/29/2008 10:01:00 PM	I am greatly concerned about how expensive it is for high school graduates to go on to college. Too many kids are not going/finishing or parents are absolutely strapped trying to make ends meet. I recommend the State gives a tuition stipend to every graduating senior, renewed each year as long as they are in college. If they choose not to go to college they can use it for any post secondary training, trade, etc. We do it for energy relief, let's do it for investment of our youth!
909.	10/29/2008 10:01:00 PM	Education in Alaska is strong, we outperform the nation on many measures, but we still need to remember that we can do more. Offer public pre-school programs for children not identified as having disabilities. Reference to Question #2: I did not identify my group because it was not on the list. I am not an educator (teacher), but I am a K-12 employee.
910.	10/29/2008 10:01:00 PM	No Child Left Behind Act is more of a burden then helpful to teachers and education.
911.	10/29/2008 10:01:00 PM	buildings do not nned to cost so much!
912.	10/29/2008 10:01:00 PM	The state of Alaska needs to realize that there is a teacher shortage in the nation. Salaries, benefits, and retirement need to be increased in order to keep the teachers we have and in order to recruit quality teachers to come to the state. When I came to Alaska 16 years ago, there were at least 4 times as many teachers as there were jobs at the Job Fair. Districts like Anchorage, Fairbanks, Mat-Su didn't even have a booth and you usually had to sub for a few years to get a job. Now there are more jobs than teachers and the large districts go Outside to several Job Fairs to recruit. The legislature needs to be made aware of these issues if they want to improve the educational system.
913.	10/29/2008 10:02:00 PM	I think the Alaskan education, certainly Anchorage, is one of the best environments for both teachers and students. That's why I work here. I wish teachers had social security or retirement -- right now, I have nothing promising or any reward for a career of community service. If I am here for my community now, I would like to think my community will be there for me after my service. ASD needs to buy into social security if it cannot provide retirement. I deserve something for my work.
914.	10/29/2008 10:02:00 PM	We need to make class sizes smaller. We need to make educator tenure a positive process for teachers and administrators that takes work to get through and may take some longer (probation maybe) than others.
915.	10/29/2008 10:02:00 PM	I discovered during my efforts to find a good masters program within the state of Alaska that UAF has higher quality programs than UAA and UAS, in terms of rigorous academic programs and instructional quality. This opinion is coming from someone who completed an undergraduate degree with a high ranking private university out of state.
916.	10/29/2008 10:03:00 PM	N/A
917.	10/29/2008 10:03:00 PM	the opportunity for a great education is so close. The University needs a law & medical degree program. Also the UA Scholar award should be increased even if very slightly. School cost have increased in the last 10 years, not the scholarship amount.
918.	10/29/2008 10:03:00 PM	Education in Alaska won't improve if we continue to make it difficult for people to be educators in Alaska. Also education in Alaska won't improve if we place all the responsibility for improving it at the feet of educators and don't hold parents and others in the community or state accountable for their roles in taking care of and providing for our children. It takes a WHOLE village.
919.	10/29/2008 10:03:00 PM	That we are failing our students. Not by any choice of ours but by a combination of parental lack of involvement and NCLBs dictum that schools make certain scores or they will be punished by receiving less funding. Drugs, gangs, television and video games are putting our children into a dispassionate stupor to which a teacher only has a moderate chance of reaching meaningfully.
920.	10/29/2008 10:05:00 PM	My children went to several different schools in the lower 48 and I would have to say that Alaska's schools were very poor in compairsion to them all.
921.	10/29/2008 10:04:00 PM	We do the best we can, but some should do better. We encourage our students to achieve, but sometimes the odds are against them. Education will continue to become more challenging. We need to be proactive.
922.	10/29/2008 10:04:00 PM	See above.
923.	10/29/2008 10:05:00 PM	Overall I think the state has a good system. There are problems in the remote village districts with a high turn over of teachers but I certainly don't have a solution. Some places are extremely difficult to teach and live.
924.	10/29/2008 10:05:00 PM	Principals need to complete their observations rather than just say they do. Teachers need encouragement and positive reinforcement. This job takes a lot of time effort and energy and students don't always realize how much you put into a lesson. It would be nice to have a professional come in and notice how hard you're working.
925.	10/29/2008 10:05:00 PM	More needs to be done to assist rural schools. More needs to be done to increase parent support. Need to get rid of NCLB.
926.	10/29/2008 10:06:00 PM	It operates on the classic "class system".
927.	10/29/2008 10:06:00 PM	We need to quit thinking we are so unique and study things that are WORKING for comparable places in the lower 48 or even in other countries. Then we should use those methods and ideas, with possible modifications, right here. I am a teacher who is moving out of state to assure that my son gets a good public education in a state that is in the top 10 based on national data. You cannot keep good teachers with children if you can't give them some assurance their own children will be failed by the system here. However, because it takes a unique kind of person to want to live here, you may never be able to attract and keep the best teachers in the US. You may also never be able to completely overcome all of the challenges faced in the bush schools. You may need to look at what foreign countries (with similar demographic challenges) are doing, since there are probably few regions of the lower 48 with the same challenges to study for good ideas on improving things.
928.	10/29/2008 10:07:00 PM	NCLB is not a good measure of all student's abilities
929.	10/29/2008 10:07:00 PM	I am a young independent Inupiaq woman who wants to become an Inupiaq language teacher. I am a full time student as well as a full time employee for the college I am attending. I want to further my education so some day I could receve my PhD. We need more programs to develop the education not just I desire.
930.	10/29/2008 10:07:00 PM	We have a strong educational system that honors differences and choices. I would like to see our urban schools include more parent programs and family education that make connections between school and home more positively.
931.	10/29/2008 10:08:00 PM	No child left behind has in some ways stifled creativity for teachers. Their days are filled with teaching curricula that is written specifically for standards based test outcomes. I think this has negatively affected some in the profession and created some job dissatisfaction. Overall though, I believe students can get a great education in our state.
932.	10/29/2008 10:10:00 PM	For the most part, I am very pleased with the quality of education our students are receiving, specifically in the Anchorage School District.
933.	10/29/2008 10:10:00 PM	The reason the drop out rate is so high has more to do with bad parents/guardians than with school issues.
934.	10/29/2008 10:11:00 PM	Get rid of HSGQE as it does not work.
935.	10/29/2008 10:10:00 PM	General education needs to become are primary resource for instruction. Not every child who is struggling should be shuffled off to a special education classroom. Differentiated instruction needs to become the driving philosophy.
936.	10/29/2008 10:11:00 PM	We have the funds to provide more educational opportunities for our children and young people. They will be our greatest investment for a sound economy and a healthy community.
937.	10/29/2008 10:11:00 PM	It is unique and should be treated that way.
938.	10/29/2008 10:11:00 PM	There are widely varying challenges in our state, depending on the circumstances of the school, ie, urban/bush, economic areas, or language bariers. We can not all fit into the same box.
939.	10/29/2008 10:12:00 PM	It should be more family oriented as stated above and that we need to work on what will help our students be successful in their chosen field.
940.	10/29/2008 10:12:00 PM	Overall I really enjoy Alaska's educational services. Smaller class sizes would greatly enhance student achievement and help to cut down on negative classroom behaviors.
941.	10/29/2008 10:12:00 PM	It is changing and moving forward and we have many people willing to see those changes happen successfully. NCLB has made a difference and I am very supportive of the legislation.
942.	10/29/2008 10:12:00 PM	We need to step up the standards and not try to coddle the kids who won't learn.
943.	10/29/2008 10:12:00 PM	- standards/expectations of basic education are too low
944.	10/29/2008 10:12:00 PM	Teachers should be more prepared when it comes to teaching such a variety of cultures in this state. Teachers should be allowed to make the context of the benchmarks relevant to their students and their environment in which they live.
945.	10/29/2008 10:14:00 PM	We can do so much more for our students in the education system!
946.	10/29/2008 10:14:00 PM	I enjoy building relationships, first and foremost, because I feel with strong, respectful relationships, more trust and comfort comes out of a classroom and, therefore, more learning. I feel that building relationships is a focus of Alaska's education programs.
947.	10/29/2008 10:14:00 PM	Overall, I feel we are moving in a positive direction. I hope that we will continue to receive the positive funding support from our government.
948.	10/29/2008 10:14:00 PM	You have your hands full
949.	10/29/2008 10:15:00 PM	Standards and accountability has really helped us target students who are not making progress and need additional academic supports. These supports cost money and additional funding from Juneau would be helpful iin this area.
950.	10/29/2008 10:15:00 PM	I think the teachers and parents working together keep the students on the right track
951.	10/29/2008 10:15:00 PM	Nothing at this time.
952.	10/29/2008 10:15:00 PM	Alaska offers so many wonderful educational opportunities for our children. It is a great place in which to raise children.
953.	10/29/2008 10:15:00 PM	EVEN WITH THE CHANGES WE NEED TO MAKE IN OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM, I WOULD NOT WANT TO BE ANYWHERE ELSE. WE HAVE POCKETS OF EXCELLENCE IN OUR STATE, WHETHER THAT IS CHARTER SCHOOLS, SMALL DISTRICTS OR ALTERNATIVE CHOICE SCHOOLS. WE HAVE THE FINANCIAL RESOURCES IN THIS STATE TO MAKE CHANGE AND TO IMPROVE OUR NATIONAL EDUCATION SYSTEM BY LEADING THE WAY. WE NEED TO MAKE A NAME FOR OURSELVES FOR HOW WE CAME TOGETHER AS A STATE TO IMPROVE WHAT WE DO. LOOK AT THE DATA, SEE WHERE OUR NEEDS ARE AND PUT THE MONEY BEHIND IT TO MAKE IT HAPPEN. THIS MIGHT BE REFLECTED IN SCHOOL BUDGETS, STATE-WIDE PROGRAMS, MINI-GRANTS, TEACHER TRAINING, YEAR-LONG EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, VIRTUAL LEARNING, AND / OR RECOGNIZING THAT LEARNING HAPPENS OUTSIDE OF A SCHOOL DAY.
954.	10/29/2008 10:15:00 PM	it needs competitive salaries
955.	10/29/2008 10:16:00 PM	I have seen many good things. I am concerned about the attitude of some parents - lack of involvement, attitudes about attendance and behavior at school.
956.	10/29/2008 10:16:00 PM	In the ASD, the building administrators are subjected to a musical chairs like scenario as to assignments. They are switched around so much that the can't contribute much to a cohesive program at whatever building they are assigned to.
957.	10/29/2008 10:16:00 PM	It would be better if you only could flush NCLB down the toilet.
958.	10/29/2008 10:16:00 PM	One has to plan for the coming shortage of teachers. Look at the data from the job fairs over the past four years. This is a problem that will be come critical in the near future.
959.	10/29/2008 10:16:00 PM	Alaska is challenged with the No Child Left Behind laws to mandate standards, state assessments and school performance. We measure the students for improvements in Alaska, however we have a great percent of our students are transitional from other states, countries, or from villages. Students are coming from other schools and are academically behind and need to play catch up. Alaska has some unique challenges in education compared to the lower 48 states.
960.	10/29/2008 10:16:00 PM	The rigor needs to improve, but I understand that setting the bar too high initially would have set students up for failure. So although lower standards were a good choice for a jumping off point, they need to be increasing as time goes on.
961.	10/29/2008 10:16:00 PM	We are doing a job educating the children of Alaska, but we can do better.
962.	10/29/2008 10:16:00 PM	There is not a good transitional program for students who come from rural villages into urban high schools. There should be transitional schools for them in the cities with transportation provided to help them prepare to be successful in the large high schools. In my position I see them come to the city for a better education opportunity for which they are not prepared and there is no where to place them to prepare them for success in a large high school. Therefore, they come, they fail, they leave.
963.	10/29/2008 10:17:00 PM	Education in Alaska is generally stronger than the public education that a student can receive in any other state at a public school. The limited size of our districts means that we can be more effective. Students who go Outside to school have more access to scholarships and are more easily accepted to programs because other states recognize the strength of our education.
964.	10/29/2008 10:18:00 PM	I would encourage policymakers to keep fighting for Alaska to be excused from NCLB.
965.	10/29/2008 10:19:00 PM	Wish we had a pension for our teachers still
966.	10/29/2008 10:19:00 PM	we need to keep kids intrest so we have less of a drop out rate
967.	10/29/2008 10:19:00 PM	I like the diversity of students in the classrooms in the urban setting we are in. I do not know much about rural education. I would hope that their is some way to incorporate traditional culture into the educational programs for the students.
968.	10/29/2008 10:19:00 PM	When there is more money allocated, it goes into programs, not directly into the class size. In other words, the student/teacher ratio is too high and there are too many pull-outs.
969.	10/29/2008 10:20:00 PM	NA
970.	10/29/2008 10:20:00 PM	Children may not be adequately nurished at home and there needs to be a way to give them a breakfast and lunch at school (at a minmum, breakfast). A hot, non-junkfood meal preferably.
971.	10/29/2008 10:21:00 PM	It is unique!
972.	10/29/2008 10:21:00 PM	We have a wide array of teachers with extensive knowledge to share. But many of these teachers are unable to expand their teachings to their full capabilities due to large classes, or teaching multiple grade levels. Many of these teachers are also working to keep up or further their own continued education, but not receiving appropriate compensation for their time.
973.	10/29/2008 10:22:00 PM	The Anchorage School District is excellent.
974.	10/29/2008 10:22:00 PM	I'd like to see a viable system where a child is educated K-12, then through one our local colleges, trade schools or universities and then is able to turn and find a job in Alaska, in one of our communities. As a state and nation there must be strong ties between our education, business and government communities. We should be making decisions that support and fund education, and encourage growth for business, which means jobs. If we are underfunding education and overtaxing businesses of all sizes our young people will look for educational opportunities and jobs out of state. That would be the young people who effectively learned what they needed to learn to compete in todays job market, nationally and internationally.
975.	10/29/2008 10:22:00 PM	THE HSGQE is the biggest killer of self-esteem and motivation for the average HS student.
976.	10/29/2008 10:22:00 PM	The parental involvement in the child's education needs reinforcing. Class sizes in K-6 should be much smaller. Student discipline takes effort from the teacher, but disruptive students who don't respond responsibly diminish the behaved student's education.
977.	10/29/2008 10:23:00 PM	It's like no other system in America. NCLB as legislated does not fit our rural/remote school districts.
978.	10/29/2008 10:23:00 PM	I think the standards should be stronger and should address a broader area of learning.
979.	10/29/2008 10:24:00 PM	some students are getting a great education with great teachers and administrators many are getting a sub-standard education with questionable teachers and administrators need better oversight of schools
980.	10/29/2008 10:23:00 PM	I worry about some of the students I see in Anchorage that come from rural schools. I'm not sure if it is just chance but many of them are performing below grade levels.
981.	10/29/2008 10:23:00 PM	As with most states, we do our best to educate all our students, but I continue to feel that teachers are not truly prepared to be in a classroom with students with and without disabilities requiring differentiated instruction and strong behavior management skills.
982.	10/29/2008 10:24:00 PM	There is often a disconnect between parents and the schools. Parents expect the schools to do everything and schools(teachers) get frustrated with a perceived lack of support from parents.
983.	10/29/2008 10:25:00 PM	Urban schools are good, I worry about the rural schools. I worry about the lack of support for students with special needs. I am concerned that teachers in remote sites are not being given the financial support they need/deserve.
984.	10/29/2008 10:24:00 PM	If you value education, if what teachers do is valuable to Alaskan society, value the educators -- stop throwing money at programs and specialists that don't work, and concentrate on attracting and retaining good teachers. No teacher should have to work a second job seeing as some of us put in 60-70-80 hours a week for 40 hours' pay.
985.	10/29/2008 10:25:00 PM	It is shocking to be around parents of children that feel the need to threaten special teams with lawsuits.
986.	10/29/2008 10:25:00 PM	offer more vocational/technical programs and give respect to 'non-academic' professions.
987.	10/29/2008 10:26:00 PM	I was hired as an educator 3 years ago and couldn't have picked a more rewarding second career. I feel blessed each day to have the opportunity to mold the minds of our future. Eagle River H.S. is an Oustanding academic environment and the staff is dedicated to provide students with the very best education possible.
988.	10/29/2008 10:27:00 PM	That urban and Rural are no treated the same. Urban students have more options in education than rural students. Education should be equal throughout the state.
989.	10/29/2008 10:27:00 PM	we have lost sight of the fact that we are teaching kids- human beings - we have reduced the education process to cramming so much into a small amount of time, measuring individuals by statistics and standardized test - teaching is losing the joyful moments - we are being crushed and subsequently so our our students
990.	10/29/2008 10:27:00 PM	It's progressive. I love it!
991.	10/29/2008 10:27:00 PM	I enjoy my job and feel supported.
992.	10/29/2008 10:28:00 PM	Support it - financially!
993.	10/29/2008 10:29:00 PM	na
994.	10/29/2008 10:29:00 PM	There is unfortunate disparity between urban and rural schools. We are losing too many of our best and brightest students to post-secondary schools Outside.
995.	10/29/2008 10:30:00 PM	Some people who are teaching kids, shouldn't. Some teachers have no control of the class.
996.	10/29/2008 10:31:00 PM	Each child deserves the chance to start their adult life with choices.
997.	10/29/2008 10:31:00 PM	We have an excellent educational system here in Alaska. It is up to the students to perform up to their ability and this is certainly enhanced with parental support.
998.	10/29/2008 10:31:00 PM	We need stronger teacher performance standards. We need SPECIFIC standards addressing how teachers talk to their students. THese are very subtle, but the essence of how a student feels about their time at school.
999.	10/29/2008 10:32:00 PM	There are small programs that are flourishing and provide an excellent work and learning environment for teachers and students. More needs to be done for students who need more hands on education, who are not interested in academics at this time. They would find vocational/technical programs more meaningful
1000.	10/29/2008 10:34:00 PM	We need to grow our own Alaska Native teachers for the state. They would make learning more relevant if they were teachers for our schools.
1001.	10/29/2008 10:35:00 PM	where I am, it's good to excellent, but that is not the case everywhere.
1002.	10/29/2008 10:35:00 PM	There is always room for improvement and with the right leadership it will contintue to get better whether from a local or state support system.
1003.	10/29/2008 10:36:00 PM	Too many schools are forbidding places for the children and families who most need a strong educational connection.
1004.	10/29/2008 10:35:00 PM	We try hard, sometimes it is just up to the individual and their family. Get kids into sports.
1005.	10/29/2008 10:36:00 PM	The edcation is there if the students want it and the parents let us do our jobs.
1006.	10/29/2008 10:37:00 PM	we have a strong and caring leader teachers are doing a good job class size is still too large NCLB should be left behind--it was largely a waste of money parents are not always doing the right thing in providing a good learning base for their kids most students fail, because parents have not done a good job in their child's first years early childhood programs for disadvantaged kids would be money well spent
1007.	10/29/2008 10:37:00 PM	It is better than other states I've lived (worked) in, but not as rigorous as programs abroad. Many of my exchange students seem to be quite advanced compared to my students from the United States.
1008.	10/29/2008 10:37:00 PM	Please, do it differently than outside. And please, save the children from becoming addicted to TV and other electronics. They need to read and get outside and learn from the natural world...!
1009.	10/29/2008 10:38:00 PM	Education in Alaska does well in academic compliance without teaching responsibility and accountability.
1010.	10/29/2008 10:39:00 PM	Well it's in Alaska. Since I've only really known Alaskan schools there is not much more that I can tell you.
1011.	10/29/2008 10:39:00 PM	It is progressive and impressive but if we don't allow for students' unique talents and contributions, students will not be motivated to continue in high school and beyond.
1012.	10/29/2008 10:39:00 PM	In relationship to question #12, the time frame in which new teachers are added is too slow; and using other staff members to be included in the ratio is not reflective of the needs of the students.
1013.	10/29/2008 10:39:00 PM	We are fortunate to live in a state that values education. There are some weeaknesses but generally we do much of it well.
1014.	10/29/2008 10:40:00 PM	Teachers are overwhelmed by large class sizes and variety of behavioral challenges, and learning disabled.
1015.	10/29/2008 10:40:00 PM	How are you going to get teachers in the future and especial special education teachers????????????
1016.	10/29/2008 10:43:00 PM	We need to stop dividing high school students into "honors" and regular classes--doing this increases class sizes in the regular classes and leaves teachers with classes that are 80% male and with no students to set example for good behavior.
1017.	10/29/2008 10:44:00 PM	It leans too heavily towards college preparation. Students need the skills required for success in the work environment, and we need to get them ready for the "real" world.
1018.	10/29/2008 10:46:00 PM	Too much is put on the education system to raise the children rather than teach the children. Money keeps getting thrown into programs that should really be given to other things. Parents need to be more involved in their students lives which is what is going to help the drop out rate, the pregnancy rate, the discipline problems, etc.
1019.	10/29/2008 10:47:00 PM	I have teaching in Alaska for 9 years and have really enjoyed the diversity of the schools. It can be a challenge in the classroom, but its great to have the opportunity to learn about other cultures.
1020.	10/29/2008 10:47:00 PM	I feel it is good and prepares students for success in life.
1021.	10/29/2008 10:48:00 PM	Teachers form strong relationships with families.
1022.	10/29/2008 10:49:00 PM	we need to focus on parent education to help stop the cycle of parents struggling with literacy being unable to help their children who continue to struggle themselves. We need to stop worrying about who's got the answer and get in and help the kids---all the kids.
1023.	10/29/2008 10:50:00 PM	I believe that a gifted program is just as important as "resource". I believe, if a student is far above average, he or she should also be given the opportunity to excel even more by individualized help via tutors,mentors and intensive gifted programs.
1024.	10/29/2008 10:54:00 PM	My experience is that education here is extremely top-heavy. Teachers are not empowered because they are not allowed to make many choices about how the school is organized and managed. We are given directives, and not brought into the discussion level. I feel that decisions that affect my classroom come from people who have never been there, and who don't bother to ask those of us who spend 7 hours a day in direct interaction with students what policies could be improved upon or changed.
1025.	10/29/2008 10:54:00 PM	Keep ratio of teacher to students down. Do a better job of evaluating the teachers and then helping them to become better. Find ways of requiring parents to be engaged. Have more counselors involved in the students lives who are behaviorlly challenged.
1026.	10/29/2008 10:55:00 PM	It is great and growing.
1027.	10/29/2008 10:55:00 PM	Roger Sampson really made a mess with the tiers. What on earth is required now? People with absolutely no training as teachers are getting classrooms. There is little visible means of support. I am seeing many poor teachers. Experience makes them a bit better...but there is no substitute for a fine preparation program.
1028.	10/29/2008 10:56:00 PM	Too many families are messed up and sending kids to school who are unprepared for high quality learning. Those kids deserve the best quality education we can offer. But,they often have behaviors that make "teaching to the top" almost impossible. I worry that I am not meeting the needs of my best students because of the high number of behaviors from my most needy kids. LOWER CLASS SIZES! Also, my instructional day is getting shorter, yet I have more to teach than ever. I love my new planning time, but need more instructional time.
1029.	10/29/2008 10:56:00 PM	It would be wonderful if parents were more involved with their kids - in general, and in their kids' education, in particular. It's really sad when kids call the school asking if there is anyone available to come and pick up "Johnny" for school. It's also sad when parents call and complain without lifting a finger to help or even be cooperative.
1030.	10/29/2008 10:58:00 PM	Too many captains and not enough crew.
1031.	10/29/2008 10:59:00 PM	Education in Alaska can be some of the very best in the Nation and in the world. The natural resources for field trips abounds. The proximity of the lakes, rivers, forests, glaciers, mountains, and tide water to villages, cities, and towns is very close. Our working population is proud to share their knowledge with students and their teachers. What a wonderful place to live and teach.
1032.	10/29/2008 11:00:00 PM	Good. Could be much better with smaller size classes!!!!
1033.	10/29/2008 11:01:00 PM	It is as good if not better than anywhere else I have lived and taught.
1034.	10/29/2008 11:01:00 PM	I love being a teacher!
1035.	10/29/2008 11:02:00 PM	Arts (music, art, drama, literature etc.) need to be given the same priority as the subjects tested in No Child Left Behind.
1036.	10/29/2008 11:02:00 PM	As a teacher in the Anchorage School District, I am constantly struggling to make it financially. When that is added to the constant pressure to help my school perform well, it makes me want to find a new profession. Unless the state begins funding education more fully, and unless the ASD makes it worth our while to stay in this struggle, we won't have the caliber of teacher that the job requires today.
1037.	10/29/2008 11:04:00 PM	I am sure there are those uneducated few that will say that because a student is not in school by the age of 3 they will be harder to learn or the reason folks are illiterate is because they are not attending school on a daily basis. These facts are not true entirely true. I have taught for over 20 years and have many more years of experience that tells me that it is the methods not the entire U.S. that have a problem. Many say it is Special Education students that are the cause of the nation's illiteracy. I have the same answer and that is 70 phonograms, 45 sounds, 29 rules of English and the teaching method that incorporates the motor skills along with hearing, saying, writing and then seeing what is produced properly is how people of any age or ability can and will learn with all success. Further more this method is the most cost effective that anyone could afford. Maybe that is the problem. The money has to be wasted on the book sellers who have no idea how to teach anyone how to read effectively.
1038.	10/29/2008 11:03:00 PM	We need to stand up to the federal direction and go back to personal responsibility.
1039.	10/29/2008 11:06:00 PM	My children have attended public schools for the last fourteen years. Although there are real difficulties in every school, they each received an excellent education up to this point.
1040.	10/29/2008 11:07:00 PM	If there were any way to do it, I think that Montessori materials and techniques should be in all our rural and village schools. Montessori techniques dovetail nicely with the ways of learning in our Native Alaska cultures. Learning is done by hands-on experiences, peer cooperation, and is a very respectful to all peoples.
1041.	10/29/2008 11:08:00 PM	I think that we need to spend more time on preparing kids for vocations and for life. Many students are not learning the soft skills they need at home to be ready to enter the work force.
1042.	10/29/2008 11:08:00 PM	I have two high school graduates from ASD and they are moving forward in their lives. One with a BS in nursing and the other finding his way. We stayed in Alaska so that our kids could receive their educations in Anchorage.
1043.	10/29/2008 11:10:00 PM	The cost is enormous. As a taxpayer, I would hope my money is being spent wisely
1044.	10/29/2008 11:12:00 PM	While we want to encourage excellence, we must stay clear of any programs that discourage teachers from working at the low economic area schools. We must remember that teachers need time to teach, and cannot be spending greater and greater time testing their students with formal mandated testing. Overall, as a teacher and a parent, I think we are doing a amazing job in the public schools.
1045.	10/29/2008 11:12:00 PM	The more energy dedicated to improving test scores will ultimately lead us down the road of school that do just that--prepare students for tests. We need to prepare studetns to be life-long learners and ethical citizens.
1046.	10/29/2008 11:12:00 PM	It has been excellent in Anchorage no matter what the state-wide statistics, although quality is now slipping with the fragmentation of unfunded NCLB mandates and the exit of veteran teachers.
1047.	10/29/2008 11:14:00 PM	Getting certified here is ridiculous! The department of ed NEVER fields any phone calls.
1048.	10/29/2008 11:15:00 PM	We seem to be behind the Lower 48.
1049.	10/29/2008 11:15:00 PM	It improves each year!
1050.	10/29/2008 11:16:00 PM	It's not the worst in the country but it could be the best.
1051.	10/29/2008 11:18:00 PM	The biggest problem in rural areas is that parents do not support education and often were very poorly educated themselves. The mythology about abuse at boarding schools needs to be fully researched and the state and BIA need to acknowlege culpability where it was true and refute it where it was not.
1052.	10/29/2008 11:20:00 PM	Compared to other states, I feel Alaska has a well funded strong education system. It is not as effecient or as well funded as in the 1980's. Our level of professionalism and quality education has slipped downward.
1053.	10/29/2008 11:21:00 PM	Schools cannot be solely responsible for what ails society. Please remember to look at supports for Alaska's needy families because educators' ability to do their jobs is hindered when kids come to school lacking a desire to learn, appropriate social skills, and/or basic care at home. Kids with families "behind them" tend to do well in school.
1054.	10/29/2008 11:21:00 PM	High school has become too based on its students going to college. Course offerings and SBA testing, now to include science!
1055.	10/29/2008 11:22:00 PM	Anchorage schools doa great job of providing education and options to young people. The schools in the bush are not so lucky in a lot of cases.
1056.	10/29/2008 11:23:00 PM	The majority of the students I see (excluding those with disabilities, language barriers, etc.) could be pushed much harder than they are.
1057.	10/29/2008 11:23:00 PM	We are a progressive state with regard to education. We have high academic standards balanced with cultural and social-emotional learning priorities.
1058.	10/29/2008 11:24:00 PM	I would like to say that it shows when a child in school has parents who are involved with the child's education.
1059.	10/29/2008 11:25:00 PM	We need smaller class sizes and should give teachers better incentives to continue working in Alaska.
1060.	10/29/2008 11:26:00 PM	Education in Alaska is as good as any and definately better than some states in the union
1061.	10/29/2008 11:27:00 PM	I wish that Alaska schools were fully (forward) funded, as is our Alaska State Consitutional mandate. I am still astounded at the crumbling infrastructure (school building and grounds AND lack of maintenance and custodial help), high-class size (in mostly urban schools), and yearly anxiety over funding (there is NO EXCUSE for it).
1062.	10/29/2008 11:28:00 PM	Class sizes are too large. Smaller classes would help eliminate the need for so many students to be in Special Education ( an overrated program ). Reading coaches are useless.
1063.	10/29/2008 11:29:00 PM	Education in Alaska can be improved if we had more parent, educator, and community support and to work with each other to make a strong learning environment. We also need to teach children that education does not stop. Parents, community and educators need to instill in students that they are our future and that our future depends on them. Academics is not the only aspect in schools, but teaching social skills, career/technical/vocational skills should be offered in schools.
1064.	10/29/2008 11:30:00 PM	Schools need to connect to the community better. Kids come to school not ready to learn, go home to where learning is not supported, and we wonder why kids are so below grade level. Parents don't have the tools to be teachers, but need instruction on how to help. There needs to be more trust between school and community; new teachers have distorted views about the community, and need to not assume that all breakdown is a result of drinking, but of many other issues, especially poverty. There is a whole generation that failed school who are now raising children who are failing school. How can they be expected to help their children with 2 hours of homework when they didn't do it as students? It is not the current group of teacher's fault, but they are the ones who have to deal with the issue. teacher turnover also plays into this, since there is no connection, no continuity ...
1065.	10/29/2008 11:31:00 PM	that I know many students who have succeeded, but not enough is being done to encourage students of low economic and middle class families to want to advance themselves
1066.	10/29/2008 11:38:00 PM	feeling very frustrated about unfunded federal mandates. I like that Alaska schools are embracing RTI (response to interventions) instead of a "wait for failure" model.
1067.	10/29/2008 11:40:00 PM	Alaska has a very diverse population with many different cultures and languages.
1068.	10/29/2008 11:41:00 PM	It needs to be better.
1069.	10/29/2008 11:42:00 PM	I think paying schools with high test scores is WRONG! This money should go back into the classrooms. Some of us are working as hard or harder with kids who do not pass the tests. That doesn't mean other teachers deserve more money!
1070.	10/29/2008 11:44:00 PM	I have been impressed with the selection of programs and the importance of education to most Alaskans.
1071.	10/29/2008 11:45:00 PM	I have had to privilege of working with many great teachers in Anchorage.
1072.	10/29/2008 11:45:00 PM	Kids have amazing opportunities for education k-12 in this state. Keep finding ways to support parents and kids to stay involved and at school.
1073.	10/29/2008 11:46:00 PM	Look to the future....
1074.	10/29/2008 11:46:00 PM	We are on the right track, but there is still much to be done!
1075.	10/29/2008 11:50:00 PM	Alaska can boast of being able to provide free basic education to all students, even those who live under dire circumstances.
1076.	10/29/2008 11:50:00 PM	Sometimes we get so focused on defending our system we forget to address improving it. We fear that improvements mean we are failing to meet student needs. We need brave leadership to make bold changes (painful or not) so our students can compete in any state in the Union.
1077.	10/29/2008 11:51:00 PM	1. implement smaller class sizes 2. add as graduation requirements classes in the arts and world languages 3. need more teachers which ethnically represent the students they teach 4. better pay for teachers so they can earn a living wage
1078.	10/29/2008 11:53:00 PM	We need more teachers. There needs to be a better way to help prospective teachers to be able to finish their education. All campuses should "talk" to one another. Training's that are provided by districts should count towards degree hours. A person should be able to take a Praxis Test even if they have not gotten a degree yet (but are working towards one) If they pass, then they should be able to at least get a certificate. I also feel that if an individual works in a school setting that should count hours needs.
1079.	10/29/2008 11:54:00 PM	That education needs to be fully funded, and that TRS needs to be returned to a defined benefit plan in order to attract quality new teachers to our state.
1080.	10/29/2008 11:56:00 PM	We need to look at education differently. When we try to make kids fit a certain mold we ultimately force many out. We can say we're giving them options but not realistic ones and not enough. We give students and parents more choices.
1081.	10/29/2008 11:56:00 PM	Alaska is a place with unique challenges. Diversity of populations and accessibility of education require a lot of pots of money to keep it running.
1082.	10/29/2008 11:58:00 PM	Although there is a lot of money spent, it doesn't always seem to go to those things that seem to make the most difference in student learning. I have 31 3rd graders in my room this year - WAY too many! The one thing that is proven to make the biggest difference is SMALLER class size! More and more kids are not going to be on the college track, so more career/technical options should be available to keep all kids involved in the learning process.
1083.	10/29/2008 11:58:00 PM	I'm grateful for the increases in funding over the past few years and I'm grateful for the Anchorage School District's School Board. More than anything, I am thankful for ASD's superintendent...she's one of my role models.
1084.	10/30/2008 12:00:00 AM	Overall we have a good educational system; however, some schools/teachers are wonderful and others leave a lot to be desired. It would be great to have a little more consistency. In addition, I would love to see a stronger standards. I see many teens who do not know how to write well, have poor reading comprehension and difficulties with simple math. Students have difficulty with the abstract way things are taught. Today's generation needs more flashy methods to comprehension. There also needs to be a stronger discipline policy with administrator back up for teachers so classrooms can be a place to learn from the teacher, not from disruptive students.
1085.	10/30/2008 12:00:00 AM	As a first year special education teacher, there are too many things to try and learn all at once while being a full time teacher. Programs that would orientate us through our positions with adequate time to set up a curriculum and plan for the year before school starts.
1086.	10/30/2008 12:03:00 AM	I really wish that the state would be able to keep their standards based education as it is but lower the percentages for the AMOs for the reading, writing/language and math. I would like to see these brought up more slower than they are now cause we can see more bush schools would have a harder time meeting those goals, especially those communities where English is a second language.
1087.	10/30/2008 12:03:00 AM	I would like UAF and maybe the other universities to re-model their whole system of training teachers. They are not training them to think in different directions.
1088.	10/30/2008 12:03:00 AM	I think we have the best teachers, but we also have the worst. It is amazing the difference in teachers.
1089.	10/30/2008 12:04:00 AM	Until we start to recognize that the early years are crucial to a child's success we are going to continue to see children who are unsuccessful right from the beginning of their school career.
1090.	10/30/2008 12:04:00 AM	As an Alaska native who taught in her hometown, then moved to Anchorage, I see the importance of making connections for our students who are moving in from the rural communities to the city. We need to help as much as possible by providing resources for these families.
1091.	10/30/2008 12:04:00 AM	Most teachers are doing an excellent job reaching most kids.
1092.	10/30/2008 12:06:00 AM	I see more parents concerned and involved in their child's education, but many parents could use parenting classes and guidance for supporting their child's education.
1093.	10/30/2008 12:08:00 AM	underfunded school activities and underpaid teachers
1094.	10/30/2008 12:12:00 AM	I am worried about our high school graduation rates. What are the evident risk factors for the kids not graduating? How can we help support these children to prevent them from dropping out? At what point do we lose these kids? These are some of the important questions that we need to be asking to address this concern.
1095.	10/30/2008 12:16:00 AM	It's WAY too hard to become a certified teacher in Alaska. It's also pretty expensive. The certification process, even without the dreaded video element, is too complicated, costly and time-consuming. If the state could see its way clear to accepting scores on tests other than Praxis, for example, more teachers would be certified, and the process would be much shorter. Teachers with test scores in the upper 10 percent, highly qualified, and duly fingerprinted should be certified after taking their 6 hours of Alaskan coursework. Two Praxis tests, transcripts, two university courses, two sets of fingerprints in 3 years, the threat of video evaluations.... it's all very off-putting.
1096.	10/30/2008 12:17:00 AM	Thank You!
1097.	10/30/2008 12:18:00 AM	Alaska's Legislature desperately needs to address a better retirement and better wages for new and future teachers. Alaska's education system has become the training ground for new teachers. Once these teachers get 3-5 years experience, they are leaving Alaska for better benefits, better pay, and to live closer to what the lower 48 states offers (i.e. cheaper food, cheaper shipping costs, more consumer options).
1098.	10/30/2008 12:19:00 AM	I am concerned when fifth grade students in my school can't multiply or spell basic words.
1099.	10/30/2008 12:22:00 AM	We need to look at other state's models. I've had a chance to network with out of state teachers, and some of their programs are very good.
1100.	10/30/2008 12:26:00 AM	The intentions are excellent; they need to be followed by action.
1101.	10/30/2008 12:27:00 AM	More money is needed for programs for recruitment/retention and packages to attract and keep teachers (years experience to bring in, retirement, competitive pay). ALSO - retirement for Tier 1 & 2 teachers MUST BE FUNDED!!!
1102.	10/30/2008 12:28:00 AM	we have an excellent program for the college bound students. we have nothing for the middle to lower performing students in the traditional classes, which makes up over half of the student body. we are trying to make everyone fit into a college prep program, and many of these students get bored, or frustrated, causing teachers to lower the standards at which they present the material. a one for all model DOES NOT WORK.
1103.	10/30/2008 12:30:00 AM	It has been increasingly difficult to hire good qualified people for certified and classified jobs as the pay is not high enough to attract people in the lower 48. As an example: I had only one applicant for a teaching position and that person wasn't the 'cream of the crop' teacher. We have had to use a substitute for extended periods of time in the classroom until we had a pool of applicants with high educational standards to choose from. It is not in the best interest for children to have a substitute teacher for weeks at a time.
1104.	10/30/2008 12:34:00 AM	?
1105.	10/30/2008 12:34:00 AM	Most individuals have chosen the career of education because they enjoy children and love teaching. Schools were never meant to raise children-parents need to step up to the plate. We have many programs and have spent a lot of money for groups of students. Money will not fix society's ills!
1106.	10/30/2008 12:37:00 AM	Go to rural and teach them what they want to know
1107.	10/30/2008 12:37:00 AM	We need to change our school system when dealing with the AK Native students in the rural area.
1108.	10/30/2008 12:44:00 AM	Most research shows that the biggest impact on learning is smaller class sizes. Alaskans need to support local education and lower class size.
1109.	10/30/2008 12:45:00 AM	In general, I think education in Alaska is fine. It is a joint effort of parents, teachers, and the people in the community who could influence and nurture the child to become a good citizen. Teachers are doing the best they can (most of them) and parents, too. I hope all parents could get involved in their child's education from Pre-K to secondary.
1110.	10/30/2008 12:46:00 AM	It needs many SERIOUS changes and we need to tighten our system for monitoring/evaluating teachers--I believe we need to go to an outside monitoring protocol that is standardized for all school districts so that our school districts are not stuck with "bad" teachers because of tenure and union protections. We need to be operating more like business, then and only then will we have the ability to hire the best of the best for our children.
1111.	10/30/2008 12:47:00 AM	Education in Alaska should help develop free thinkers and problems solvers. I feel we are doing a great disservice for our students by using class time for other hidden agenda's. We must be on guard as to what influences are pressuring our students and their education. Education in Alaska must stay strictly that - educating objectively yet encouraging debate among students without letting our personal preferences influence them. Our schools in rural Alaska are endangered - people must learn to live, work and provide a service within their own communities, or rural communities will cease to exist. Encourage problem solving on ALL levels within the education system to reach higher goals for the benefit of our great state and it's students.
1112.	10/30/2008 12:47:00 AM	I love teaching in Alaska.
1113.	10/30/2008 12:51:00 AM	It needs to be same throughout the state and take each kid as an individual. Some need extra help. Help them!!
1114.	10/30/2008 12:53:00 AM	Our teacher prepartion programs need to be more "realistic" and they should screen out those who are not good at classroom management and those who do not/cannot teach to all learning styles.
1115.	10/30/2008 12:54:00 AM	Keep hiring qualified teachers.
1116.	10/30/2008 12:57:00 AM	It relys too much on multiple choice exams and students miss out on the practice of expressing themselves in writing.
1117.	10/30/2008 12:57:00 AM	Realize that your hardest working area are your teachers and your teachers students. Lets let provisions for the school district show that.
1118.	10/30/2008 1:00:00 AM	We need to continue to link k-12 curriculum with life experiences. Do better to prepare Ak. grads. for life after school.
1119.	10/30/2008 1:01:00 AM	There are some great challenges in rural Alaska that need attention from a state and national level: teacher housing, high rates of teacher turnover, No Child Left Behind model does not fit rural schools and districts.
1120.	10/30/2008 1:02:00 AM	See 12.
1121.	10/30/2008 1:10:00 AM	I appreciate all who are committed to teaching children to learn and grow.
1122.	10/30/2008 1:13:00 AM	Professional Development opportunities for educators are diverse, practical, and accessible. I feel that this really has the potential to benefit students.
1123.	10/30/2008 1:17:00 AM	kids benefit from the variety of programs offered
1124.	10/30/2008 1:22:00 AM	We need more options for students who aren't going to go to college or make it in college.... more apprenticeship programs!!!
1125.	10/30/2008 1:26:00 AM	I am very concerned about the inability of students to come to work with basic skills like reading, writing and attendance.
1126.	10/30/2008 1:31:00 AM	I felt like I wasn't supported very well as a middle school student. high school was tuff for me. vocational classes at king career center were good for me because it was like hands on work, not sitting at a desk......that's why I'm a building plant operator, my job is mostly hands on.
1127.	10/30/2008 1:31:00 AM	I feel we have many choices in Alaska for futher education if we should choose it and are acedemically able to conitune our education here. However, we lack vocational education for our young people who do not fit into this choice. We should have other job training skills offered for those we know are not on tract for graduation so that they do not end up a social liability but a productive member of our society.
1128.	10/30/2008 1:31:00 AM	The language skills are very low compared with many students outside AK. The physical fitness level is also low, resulting in more tired, unhealthy, inattentive kids. More early childhood ed. with an emphasis on social skills and language skills being taught is needed.
1129.	10/30/2008 1:37:00 AM	Education in Alaska is more like defining education in a small country as Alaska is as diverse culturally as geographically. What we do in the cities doesn't have to be what we do in the villages/bush schools. Get rid of NCLB and focus on educating students, and their families, rather than on passing tests.
1130.	10/30/2008 1:40:00 AM	Tell us how to, not just to do. Help individual institutions with "real", doable programs. Establish a definable, quantitative equilibrium between urban and rural school funding.
1131.	10/30/2008 1:51:00 AM	You are trying to do too much - focus your goals.
1132.	10/30/2008 1:54:00 AM	It is critical to our future as a state and as a nation!
1133.	10/30/2008 1:59:00 AM	Education need to allow students to see the future. Government should give students/parents incentives to save their permanent fund dividends for their future education.
1134.	10/30/2008 2:04:00 AM	I have seen some wonderful teachers who work with in the schools, but I have seen more that are lacking, unprofessional, and down right shocking.
1135.	10/30/2008 2:12:00 AM	We're doing well, but we have a ways to go. When a child moves here from another state and says "I learned this two years ago", that worries me that we are falling behind. I don't want my children behind.
1136.	10/30/2008 2:14:00 AM	I am proud to be an educator in Alaska.
1137.	10/30/2008 2:14:00 AM	I would like to see us incorporate our amazing environment into or should I say, get the students out into the trails, woods, beaches.
1138.	10/30/2008 2:20:00 AM	I would like to see much more energy put into the Native Alaskan educational process in bush schools. The suicide & drop-out rates are not appropriate. I would like to see more state & federal dollars poured into Bush Alaska so that our native peoples are not forced to move away from their traditional cultures and homelands. I would like to see a better transition program put in place now that more and more families are being forced to move from the bush to urban areas.
1139.	10/30/2008 2:22:00 AM	overall it has been wonderful, homeschooling and public school
1140.	10/30/2008 2:29:00 AM	TEachers need smaller class sizes or more support.
1141.	10/30/2008 2:33:00 AM	I moved to Alaska from the "lower 48" and I have loved the education here. It's very personal to the area in which you are living and the students are some of the friendliest I have ever encountered.
1142.	10/30/2008 2:35:00 AM	There is a very good foundation to education in Alaska. But we are not moving education into the 21st century. Yes, we are using technology, but it is grafted on a system that was established in the late 1800's to allow students to help their families on the farms. Design the school year around what is best for student learning not tradition.
1143.	10/30/2008 2:36:00 AM	I don't have the exact number however I do know that some schools failed to bring up their numbers per the No Child Left Behind Act. This Act is not relevant to Alaska. There are K - 12th grade in some schools and teachers are expected to teach all!
1144.	10/30/2008 2:40:00 AM	Nothing
1145.	10/30/2008 2:44:00 AM	I have been an Alaskan educator since 1973 including bush/urban, public/private/homeschool, elementary and postsecondary. I am proud of the educational programs we offer over such a vast area to such a wide variety of cultures and communities.
1146.	10/30/2008 2:59:00 AM	The education in Alaska has prepared my children for a successful future.
1147.	10/30/2008 3:03:00 AM	ASD is far too large for its own good. It is imploding on itself (reference SPED statistics for ethnic groups). The indigenous peoples deserve more than they are receiving and Father Michael Oleksa should be consulted, as well as Byron Mollett of First Alaskans Institute. What an embarassment. Alaska has more financial resources per capita and individual than any state in the union. There is too much waste going on in administrative and SBA testing budgets - waste that is not directed to enriching the lives of our most valuable resource. Our children.
1148.	10/30/2008 3:09:00 AM	Businesses who understand the global economy have moved from the 9 to 5 model to a 24/7 model. Schools should move to a 12/5/12 model, e.g.. school facilities offering classes 12 hours a day (say 7am to 7pm) , 5 days a week, 12 months a year. Teachers should be offered an opportunity to teach at varied times and to contract for more days if they choose. Through the use of virtual classrooms, one teacher/professor could service many schools simultaneously, particularly in advanced classes, e.g. AP or French 5, AP Calculus, which are often not offered in all schools due to low numbers (or in rural areas).
1149.	10/30/2008 3:10:00 AM	Strong sense cultural diversity and respect for all nationalities.
1150.	10/30/2008 3:14:00 AM	I am proud to be part of the ASD and to have two children who are well educated.
1151.	10/30/2008 3:27:00 AM	Remember, art and music can be as important as reading, writing, and math. Also, don't loose sight of the value of technical/vocational programs in the schools. What ever happened to shop class? Finally, we need to enhance our bilingual services and supports. Alaska is becoming increasingly diverse.
1152.	10/30/2008 3:32:00 AM	Direct funding doesn't reach the students - too much "district costs."
1153.	10/30/2008 3:35:00 AM	Good teaching is the key to success which caters to the individual student through differentiated instruction. One size doesn't fit all. Some kids can't graduate in 4 years develop individual 5 year plans for all incoming Freshman and track their progress annually with a system that doesn't allow them to fall through the cracks. If we have outstanding educators in Alaska our system will become stronger---end of story.
1154.	10/30/2008 3:37:00 AM	There are many positive aspects and choice for parents in Alaska. There are open-optional, ABC school and charter schools, traditional school for parents to choose from.
1155.	10/30/2008 3:39:00 AM	We offer excellent variety and monitor our teaching to today's desires. Students choose to take advantage themselves.
1156.	10/30/2008 3:41:00 AM	I guess it's pretty good.
1157.	10/30/2008 3:59:00 AM	We are hiring a lot of new teachers and we need to make sure they are set them up for success.
1158.	10/30/2008 4:03:00 AM	More money is needed to keep our teachers and lower class size
1159.	10/30/2008 4:07:00 AM	Most of the communication that occurs between educators and parents are one way dialogues. There are many students that with a bit of help early on would be better students. I know of students who were not able to get assistance because they were either not bright enough or not bad enough, and when they sink too low they are now on their own and not the schools responsibility. I know of students as well who learn at a slower pace, yet the school system knows only in letting them take a course over and over again but the course itself is never changed. A slow learner actually needs the class to be delivered at a slower pace not just over and over again at the same speed. There is a saying that if you do the exact same thing over and over again but expect a different result each time it is a sign of insanity. Our educational system has not made any significant changes yet expects to see different results each year both in meeting the schools AYP's and increasing the states graduation rates.
1160.	10/30/2008 4:11:00 AM	Education in Alaska has the potential to make a difference in students' lives, but does not always achieve it. EED should be focusing on how to achieve student success, how to realistically measure that we have achieved it, and how to help the school districts produce educated, talented, informed citizens to lead Alaska and the USA in the future.
1161.	10/30/2008 4:15:00 AM	the teachers are phenomenal and they do the best they can under difficult circumstances (large class size, non-supportive parents, public criticism)
1162.	10/30/2008 4:20:00 AM	We need to make some changes soon, or many teachers will leave their districts and the state.
1163.	10/30/2008 4:28:00 AM	We need to keep changing with the increasing diversity of our state's population. "We are never a finished product".
1164.	10/30/2008 4:38:00 AM	We are not going to "fix" and teach all kids to read by third grade until parenting and home life are brought into the equation. There is only so much teachers can do while the kids are in school. Parents/guardians need to take some responsibility.
1165.	10/30/2008 4:52:00 AM	Our children need to have more contact with the lower 48 so they are not overwhelmed when they go south to schools.
1166.	10/30/2008 4:58:00 AM	The biggest limiting factor is the lack of perceived authority of teachers. The social changes of the last 30 years have made classroom discipline into a major issue, from a minor one. Amongst the changes are the elimination of non-parental physical punishment, the lack of punishment for disrespectful and/or disruptive behavior, the lack of compulsory attendence enforcement, and the general social changes in perception of authority have robbed teachers of apparent authority.
1167.	10/30/2008 5:02:00 AM	We must get our graduation rate up. The single most important factor in children's education is a high quality teacher in each classroom and smaller class sizes. Good pay and good treatment will attract and keep high quality teachers in Alaska and make our schools successful.
1168.	10/30/2008 5:12:00 AM	There's a lot of choices but no real consistency between city and village or other outlying areas.
1169.	10/30/2008 5:19:00 AM	That when children move to the next grade level, that some of the school zones are a little bit crazy, and unreasonable.
1170.	10/30/2008 5:23:00 AM	Small, rural schools need adequate funding for all CTE programs. We are continuing to lose students to larger schools outside the district because we cannot provide the programs students desire. Eventually more and more rural schools will close. Counselors at all schools is a necessity that is not happening everywhere.
1171.	10/30/2008 5:27:00 AM	I think our dropout rate in high school is frightening.
1172.	10/30/2008 5:33:00 AM	Class size is important in the classroom. The smaller the class, the better any educator can meet the needs of their students.
1173.	10/30/2008 5:42:00 AM	Education is a great priviledge and luxury that we can afford due to the shoulders of giants we stand on (both intellectually and financially) and to neglect any opportunity to help form the clear thinking of proper grammar, stealy logic or impressive rhetorical skills will severely hamper them in the future. Technical expertise should be something that supports these efforts but in no way replaces them. Fundamentals are necessary. Also there are some really great teachers who expand the interests and promise of the youth and for these I am ever grateful.
1174.	10/30/2008 5:44:00 AM	I love being a teacher-it is the greatest profession in my mind. Yet the job is different from one day to the next with the increasing needs of our students. Please consider our student needs as funding is considered. Nothing assures student success more than a small class size where their needs can be met!!!
1175.	10/30/2008 5:44:00 AM	We are teaching our children to be dissatisfied with the options they have in our state. We draw the rural kids to the urban areas. We draw the urban kids out to the outside. The smartest of the kids leave rural alaska; the smartest of them and the urban kids go to Washington or California.
1176.	10/30/2008 5:48:00 AM	That we, as a group, have a wealth of experience that isn't always tapped into. When teachers move, it's often not out of state. Just somewhere new that's a better fit.
1177.	10/30/2008 5:52:00 AM	I see the quality of education slipping in the public school. I believe the SBA test scores are inflated which is causing a false impression of the success of our schools, and consequently, adversely affects the standard of education across the board.
1178.	10/30/2008 5:54:00 AM	I have taught in this state for 20 years. It has come a long way but has a long way still to go. Technology has to be an integral part in what we do on a daily basis.
1179.	10/30/2008 5:56:00 AM	Keep funding with lower class sizes. it really does make a difference.
1180.	10/30/2008 6:01:00 AM	1)I have taught at the same Title I school for over ten years. We went from being a "Cutting Edge" school with an inclusion model and lots of support to create small group settings, with teachers who took classes and study groups on their own time, just for the sake of being better teachers, to a failing school that has teachers running away as fast as they can to other schools. It's very disheartening. 2)There is very little help for kids who have behavior problems. 3) Truancy is a huge problem, especially in kindergarten.
1181.	10/30/2008 6:03:00 AM	See above
1182.	10/30/2008 6:05:00 AM	Provide more money, more K-16 links, & develop more community support. Recognize cultural barriers and work within the world of our indigenous Alaskans. Reduce administrative overhead and hire more teachers.
1183.	10/30/2008 6:07:00 AM	The graduation rate is decreasing. Smaller class sizes are not being implemented, or simply disregarded; mandate PTR for primary classrooms K-2 to be no larger than 20. Increase Early Childhood Education opportunities for our future students. Provide better SpEd. /Resource support in schools; esp. for Middle school and high school students.
1184.	10/30/2008 6:06:00 AM	Teachers here are for the most part indifferent to the learning needs of the children
1185.	10/30/2008 6:17:00 AM	See above.
1186.	10/30/2008 6:41:00 AM	many dedicated educators and families
1187.	10/30/2008 6:41:00 AM	Lower classroom size; reduce the overhead of administration and put the money into teacher education and programs that resemble more of the Japanese model, which is teacher collaboration and peer coaching.
1188.	10/30/2008 6:47:00 AM	We need a DEED field office in Anchorage or Mat-Su, where a much greater percentage of our educators would have access.
1189.	10/30/2008 6:48:00 AM	Throwing money at districts is not the complete answer. We need competent, capable and effective teachers and supportive parents/community. There are too many layers of non-teaching employees in a variety of departments that don't directly work with students on a daily basis. By reducing the layers of departmental bureaucracy and putting these certificated employees back in the classroom, we could dramatically reduce class size, thus improving the overall quality of education in a huge way.
1190.	10/30/2008 6:53:00 AM	It is a shame that a state with the current windfall is still having difficulty meeting school funding needs. It seems that the funding does not find its way into the classroom where it can do the most good to improve student achievement.
1191.	10/30/2008 7:10:00 AM	We are at a crossroads where we have to decide to either do something different in trying to attain academic proficiency so as to assure ALL students are work ready and/or post-secondary education prepared and commit to doing what it takes to achieve that for our students or resign ourselves to becoming a state where we accept the lack of proficiency for some and be willing to accept the future consequences for that shortfall both for individuals and for our state as a whole. I hope we work to choose the former.
1192.	10/30/2008 10:19:00 AM	We have the resources to provide high quality pre-school with well paid teachers. Early education provides a strong foundation for later learning and early identification of students who need special services. High School freshman need college counselling; Waiting to Junior year is too late.
1193.	10/30/2008 12:29:00 PM	Disparities still exist for our Alaska Native students and other students of color. Graduation rates are still low. Don't forget about them, please!
1194.	10/30/2008 12:39:00 PM	It is lagging behind, too low epectations, too much reliance on technology to solve basic issues such as addressing student performance in reading writing math...etc
1195.	10/30/2008 1:37:00 PM	The wide range of needs and services, the differences in the types of schools (charter, rural, urban) are challenges as well as opportunities. The models of success for Alaska's schools are as diverse as our state is large. We can be world leaders in education if we embrace our challenges and focus on the students.
1196.	10/30/2008 2:08:00 PM	Let principals do their job. I was relieved that the performance videos were rescinded (although too late for me!!!).
1197.	10/30/2008 2:30:00 PM	The no child left behind does not work in the ruel area where teachers have to teach more than one or two grades. It is also unfair to teacher who are real good for you are putting them in the place that they are doing more paper work than spending time with the students.
1198.	10/30/2008 2:42:00 PM	Alaska, although it has unique problems with regards to bush education, is in a better position than any other State as we move in to a period of fiscal downsizing. Money will not be available anywhere in the United States to continue the expansion of education that we have seen in the past 8 to 10 years. Because of that, we need to be smarter in how we spend the resources we have now. This means expecting higher standards from our educators in terms of technology education and use in the classroom. It also means realizing that many "new" offerings we have had the luxury of providing over the past few years will need to go away. "Choice" is a wonderful thing, but a 14-year-old student cannot be expected to pick their schedule as would a 19-year-old college freshman. We need to cut back and limit the choices available to 9tha nd 10th grade students and focus on the core courses that should be the bread-and-butter of our education system. Limit the expansion of the elective and more eclectic core courses to the 11tha dn 12th grades. Above all else, understand that these are children, not adults. They are not prepared at this point in their lives either through experience nor through education to be expected to make adult choices. Counselors are too willing to let the student pick and choose their course offerings and this directly harms the student. 9tha nd 10th grade classes should be scripted for all but the tested and verified gifted students, and higher standards of personal behavior and dress should be required and expected of students. Standardization of discipline, behavior and environment speak to the safety and security concerns that are basic to all humans, and once that part of their lives is put in order they more easily move on to cognitive skills. Right now there is little in the way of behavior and discipline standards that is enforced in the hallways, and the standards that exist in the classrooms varies widely. We owe it to our students to bring the administration and faculty to one standard, and to then enforce that standard evenly in all areas of the school.
1199.	10/30/2008 3:07:00 PM	I believe our teachers are among the best.
1200.	10/30/2008 3:07:00 PM	In general it is good.
1201.	10/30/2008 3:10:00 PM	I believe the national and state standards should be rewritten to developmental levels of where our students are instead of where we as educators, congressmen, etc. believe they should be.
1202.	10/30/2008 3:19:00 PM	I have not been in Alaska very long. What I have noticed is students seem to get along better in my school than the last school I cam from in the lower 48. Alaska is more on track with helping every student be successful for life after school than others I have taught at.
1203.	10/30/2008 3:31:00 PM	Lowering the student/teacher ratio will give teachers time to teach all kids, thus reducing the need for special programs later in their education.
1204.	10/30/2008 3:32:00 PM	not bad from what i observe
1205.	10/30/2008 3:36:00 PM	After attending elementary and jr. high here in Alaska and then moving to another state to finish my education and teaching there I really appreciated the programs and opportunities that are available here to the students.
1206.	10/30/2008 3:46:00 PM	Education in Alaska is very firm, focused and strong, with it's only aim at making our students successful in thier future liv es.
1207.	10/30/2008 3:46:00 PM	I think the majority of teachers work very hard to do what's best for their students, but at the end of the day I'm exhausted, over-worked and underpaid.
1208.	10/30/2008 3:50:00 PM	The state of Alaska and the school districts need to work on incentives to attract and retain specialists, such as Speech/Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and Physical Therapists.
1209.	10/30/2008 4:01:00 PM	No child left behind should not be in effect for Alaska schools. Students need to be exposed to greater and greater amounts of technology, as this is the future for them. Vocational programs CAN be implemented, and connected to academic programs. No child left behind is leaving behind students who have skills and talents more suited for vocations.
1210.	10/30/2008 4:03:00 PM	It can be better
1211.	10/30/2008 4:13:00 PM	Teachers cannot educate to the best of their ability unless parents are involved and invested in the educational system.
1212.	10/30/2008 4:14:00 PM	we're doing awesome with the resources we have
1213.	10/30/2008 4:18:00 PM	I have spent many years teaching in the Bering Straits School District. Problems related to a severe lack of employment/jobs in the villages, lack of job training opportunities and low levels of self esteem which are probably connected to high teacher turn over and issues related to poverty.
1214.	10/30/2008 4:19:00 PM	Coming from Los Angeles, California, I feel Alaskans instill the value of education in their children much more than those of Californians. Alaska might not have all the high-tech gear, but we equal that out with passionate teachers who come to work excited to instill knowledge.
1215.	10/30/2008 4:21:00 PM	It is above the national average.
1216.	10/30/2008 4:22:00 PM	I love teaching in Alaska, and I love living in Alaska. I wish that there was more support for educators. Sometimes education takes the back burner to big oil.
1217.	10/30/2008 4:23:00 PM	It has changed since I started teching, We are required to do more of the "mothering", aspects thaen when I first stareted in education. More demands to make sure that students pass their SBAs, High School Qualifiying Exams.
1218.	10/30/2008 4:23:00 PM	Currently I think that the monies for schools are pretty much centered for the City Schools in large metropolitan areas, not the rural schools, need to realize that large cities have more opportunities for outside activities than smaller rural schools, and the interaction with sports is very good for socialization as well as learning a sport.
1219.	10/30/2008 4:27:00 PM	It needs to be changed completely.
1220.	10/30/2008 4:27:00 PM	Keep motivating and seeking the highest qualified educators.
1221.	10/30/2008 4:28:00 PM	I think in general, we are doing a pretty good job. We face some incredibly challenging obstacles in educating students here for a variety of reasons. Our teachers step up to the challenges (and frequently go way above and beyond). We need to encourage parents to take a greater part in their children's education. We need to create a statewide culture of teamwork. There are three major players in every child's education: the teacher, the child and the parent. All are equally important. However, the responsibility of any child's education must lie with the child. Failing that, the parent must then take any and all steps to insure their child is getting what he/she needs. I feel we are hamstringing our students by educators accepting responsibility (or being forced to take the blame) for a student's success or lack of it. There are consequences for every action and far too many students never see the consequences of poor attendance or lack of study. I'm not suggesting that we abandon these students, rather help them refocus their goals. Maybe a four year high school isn't what they need. We need to continue to look for, and provide across the state, alternatives. More vocational and technical training is a must! By helping kids achieve the first steps toward a profession, we will be able to keep more kids in school and by relating skills (English, Math, Science) to a money making skill, I think we will have more success. When kids see why they need an academic skill and can immediately apply it to make money, they are more likely to stay engaged.
1222.	10/30/2008 4:32:00 PM	We have a great resource - our teachers and staff, so we need to use this resource to its fullest potential. Another great resource is our students and future leaders of our state. We need to provide more opportunities and promote programs to retain our student population. They need to learn skills and trades, not just math and reading.
1223.	10/30/2008 4:32:00 PM	There are many good things but it still needs a lot of work in order to achieve the goals
1224.	10/30/2008 4:33:00 PM	I think education in Alaska (at least our school) is great!
1225.	10/30/2008 4:36:00 PM	We need smaller class size and please get rid of the combo classes. Parents, teachers and students all HATE them.
1226.	10/30/2008 4:36:00 PM	It's better than Washington.
1227.	10/30/2008 4:44:00 PM	Rural Alaska is failing to properly educate enough of the children.
1228.	10/30/2008 4:50:00 PM	The Dept of Ed. makes it very difficult for new teachers. It can be discouraging to deal with the bureaucracy. Also the reason we cannot fill and retain our special education positions is the overwhelming IEP paperwork. But instead of paperwork reduction (IEPs) you pile on more pages and rules so that no matter how conscientious a teacher you are, it is impossible to keep up with it all and still have time for students, keeping abreast of the most current and research-based methods, etc.
1229.	10/30/2008 4:55:00 PM	That we need to work with our youth when they are in trouble. A cooperation with students, parents and teachers to ensure graduation success. We tend to write off too many students when they struggle with issues that the school deems zero tollerace yet we don't offer significant options to get those kids to graduation. Unfortunatly is costs money but may be worth it
1230.	10/30/2008 4:58:00 PM	Not consistent from school to school, district to district.
1231.	10/30/2008 4:59:00 PM	It is not possible to evaluate education in Alaska as a unitary entity because of the huge divide between rural and urban school systems.
1232.	10/30/2008 5:00:00 PM	Education in Alaska is in many ways really positive. But, it is also really hard. Schools do so much to help students find success, but in the end there are so many factors that are simply out of the control of the schools. The sad part is that if a student doesn't find success, often the school is blamed. It also feels like to an extent education in Alaska is moving away from a focus on really learning to a focus on just numbers. The numbers are empty data - the number of AP tests administered doesn't tell you how students performed on the test, it doesn't show learning.
1233.	10/30/2008 5:00:00 PM	Distance education has become increasingly more robust and engaging. Students can now access online classes using a PDA. Rural districts especially need this technology and model to meet the needs of their students, and the needs of their community. While a small school might not have a teacher for business math, or Spanish, these courses could be offered effectively using distance education.
1234.	10/30/2008 5:01:00 PM	Stop going cheap. Standards, standardization and standardized test are doing little but using resources better spent directly on children. Half a loaf just doesn't cut it sometimes.
1235.	10/30/2008 5:04:00 PM	We need better salaries and retirement system to improve teacher retention as well as recruitment. I work in the field of special education/related services and we need to develop ways to become fully staffed in all areas: teaching and related services. We are being overworked and underpaid as we try to meet kids' needs without sufficient staff and properly trained staff who are certified in special education.
1236.	10/30/2008 5:11:00 PM	I am a product of the Anchorage School district and my daughter is in the 3rd grade in an Anchorage public school. I feel both of us received an excellent education. I also work in the schools (not as a teacher) and see a lot of disparity as I move through the district. I think this disparity needs to be leveled. The issue of teacher tenure and keeping poor performing principals in a building until the staff and community are decimated is something that I'd like to see addressed.
1237.	10/30/2008 5:11:00 PM	We need more family programs to help disfunctional children.
1238.	10/30/2008 5:12:00 PM	Need tudors and more live experiences with environment and travel.
1239.	10/30/2008 5:14:00 PM	The IDEA and NCLB are at odds with each other. There needs to be credit for children who are in special education who have made a year's worth of progress in one year but are not working on grade level.
1240.	10/30/2008 5:14:00 PM	I consider that this survey is not well written. For example question 4 Is 'my community' Chugiak, where I live, or the whole of the Anchorage SD? Depending upon my interpretation of the question I could give completely answers to this and many other questions.
1241.	10/30/2008 5:16:00 PM	Overall, I am satisfied that the school systems are on the right track. I would however add early education opportunities for all students.
1242.	10/30/2008 5:20:00 PM	Alaska is an amazing and wonderful place to live and grow up for some, but not for all of our students. Many of our students are facing incredibly difficult situations outside of school and that affects their ability to be successful in school. If we want our students to succeed we also need to focus on the many social problems that affect our state from alcoholism, to poverty, to domestic violence and sexual assault.
1243.	10/30/2008 5:25:00 PM	I like that it is individualized, however when you are in a small setting with students spread throughout the different levels it is difficult to be highly specialized in all areas, particularly at the secondary level. Not sure how this can be changed and funding just isn't the answer. More willing and capable bodies would be the answer, but it is hard to find those people.
1244.	10/30/2008 5:26:00 PM	Alaska has that ability to keep more students in school and graduate if the programs include cultural and vocational values of the students. Core academics are important, but need to be inclusive of the core values of the student and their community.
1245.	10/30/2008 5:28:00 PM	We are making the same errors Texas makes - teaching to the test.
1246.	10/30/2008 5:28:00 PM	It is DECLINING RAPIDLY; it needs improvement fast. Teachers are the REAL EXPERTS; not those individuals-the so called education "experts"-who manipulate the STATS. Have your next conference with classroom teachers ONLY. Leave out the administrator, experts, and lawyers.
1247.	10/30/2008 5:28:00 PM	Teachers and Principals need parent and community support. Little things like classroom visits, parent volunteering in the lunchroom, parents socializing with teachers - inviting them to dinner, being friendly .
1248.	10/30/2008 5:35:00 PM	We need more shop/trade classes in middle school.
1249.	10/30/2008 5:40:00 PM	just send us so more money for these good teachers
1250.	10/30/2008 5:40:00 PM	Out in the Bush, I feel that students are given the short end of the stick. I feel that the standards are, in a way, setting the students up for failure in the real world because they aren't given a very high level of education. Here in our district, the average high school graduate graduates with a 10th-grade education. They can't make it in college and they aren't prepared enough to go out in the real world and try to make something of themselves.
1251.	10/30/2008 5:41:00 PM	Teachers are trying to do a good job. We have many layers of "gotta do this" ASD, AKEED, NCLB, IEPs/504s, and more. We are the "beneficiaries of buracracies" that manage all these layers, and the paperwork DOES detract from teaching time. Suggestions for large schools: a copy technician who would copy material for teachers (more efficient and less wear on the machines). A lab technician to set up/clean up after science labs (my science teacher father said that this was like getting a raise when he moved to a school that did have a lab tech). Seminar programs and study skills for all freshmen would give them better tools on how to think for themselves. (Modified) Block scheduling would give science teachers more time to complete labs, instead of spreading over two days.
1252.	10/30/2008 5:41:00 PM	NCLB goal of 100% proficiency is not reality. It is a fabulous goal, but it will not be attained by all. The graduation rate is greatly influenced. Why should a student stay in the educational setting if they are convinced that they will only receive a certificate of attendance, be penalized for the rest of their life by not being a high school graduate, and be limited in work opportunities based on a "failure" to obtain a diploma. If credits are earned and classes are passed, then the student should receive a diploma and proficiency should then be an endorsement.
1253.	10/30/2008 5:47:00 PM	Some of the best in the nation
1254.	10/30/2008 5:48:00 PM	I believe we are on a steady climb to academic success, making great strides for the future of Alaska. I just hope rising energy cost and operational cost in Alaska, don't take away finances that would benefit our students educational needs.
1255.	10/30/2008 5:50:00 PM	We need to have natives go to these schools and tell stories on Alaska history. Or better yet record native elders and document their stories, to educate students about our state.
1256.	10/30/2008 5:55:00 PM	Education in Alaska has become much better than when I was growing up and went through the Alaskan school system.
1257.	10/30/2008 6:02:00 PM	We must continue to fund schools adequately if we are to improve schools in all areas.
1258.	10/30/2008 6:03:00 PM	I think education in Alaska is excellent. It is the parents that need to do their part in ensuring their children graduate high school. They need to stop siding with their children every time their children gets reprimanded in school. They need to support the teachers in school for the benefit of their children, not fight the educators teaching their children. This is one of the reasons why a teacher doesn't stay long in the rural areas. Parents need to help out disciplining their children, not calling the teacher and asking "Can you teach my child to respect me?" One day a parent came and asked the teacher "What did you do to make my son mad?" Educators need help from the student's parents desperately. Thank you.
1259.	10/30/2008 6:04:00 PM	Although there is benefit to making sure that teachers are qualified, there are too many hoops to jump through to receive and maintain a teaching certificate. Plus, talking with the state about one's certificate is near impossible.
1260.	10/30/2008 6:06:00 PM	I wish parents would be required to volunteer once a month to become involved in their children's school site and education. I wish parents would be required to proved the basic school supplies like pencils, crayons, markers etc..... in the elementary schools.
1261.	10/30/2008 6:09:00 PM	The merit program for "succeeding" schools is not the best way to spend education dollars. As a teacher I have personally benefitted twice from this program but feel there are many other teachers around the state that are equally deserving and success shouldn't be determined by SBA's alone.
1262.	10/30/2008 6:12:00 PM	It is too standardized. Teaching to the required tests makes it difficult to include life skills needed for survival in the business world today.
1263.	10/30/2008 6:17:00 PM	There must be a way to equitablely fund all students in rural and urban Alaska. Alaska is not a poor state and there is no doubt that our children are our future. Invest in them. Support them all, regardless of educational choice. Give teachers/school districts enough money and support every year to do their job. Stop yearly bickering about educational funding. Just do it.
1264.	10/30/2008 6:17:00 PM	We need even higher health standards.
1265.	10/30/2008 6:20:00 PM	We all need to work actively to have ALL parents join in the education of their children. We need to QUIT letting math and language strangling our instructional time (set programs like Houghtin Mifflin reading and Everyday math), and free up time to teach ALL curricular areas: math. language, and reading can be taought in history and science just as well OR BETTER than canned compartmentalized expensive programs. Kids CHEER for science in my room, knowing they'll be reading, writing, measuring, and summarizing.
1266.	10/30/2008 6:26:00 PM	Generally and considering the diversity of the population and the huge land area, we are doing a great job. However, we need to remember that all children deserve the same chances. If that means luring new teachers with signing bonuses or paying urban teachers to spend a year or two in the bush to help with electives or hard to fill positions, then we need to do that. Another thing to consider: Teachers who got a Bachelor's in math, for example and tried another job and then got a Master's in teaching or education are NOT better qualified than those who got a Bachelor's in education and then a Master's later. I keep hearing that, why?
1267.	10/30/2008 6:28:00 PM	See above. We need to continue to develop curriculum for the 21st century. In our fast changing world, for the most part we are still teaching the same things we did when I was in school - 50 years ago!
1268.	10/30/2008 6:30:00 PM	All schools need to be able to upgrade as technology is available to schools, not just new schools, or remodeled ones.
1269.	10/30/2008 6:34:00 PM	We are in dire need of home-grown educators. Every school district in Alaska must be given the opportunity, through additional funding or easily attainable grants, to send native candidates to college to become teachers. We need to give UAF or UAA the financial resources to recruit and educate locals to become teachers.
1270.	10/30/2008 6:34:00 PM	Nothing
1271.	10/30/2008 6:38:00 PM	As educators we need to be much more involved in our students lives. We need to be talking to students much earlier about incomplete assignments, lack of desire or understanding. We as educators need to make the student work up to their ability verse accepting anything.
1272.	10/30/2008 6:41:00 PM	Education needs more funding. We don't have money for normal supplies. We can only pay for the Math journals with our current budget, and then we are out of money. Parents need to be accountable for there students attendance. To often schools test scores are effected by students that have parents who don't send them to school. These students get way behind, and it makes the schools look bad. Laws should be in place that state that if a student is absent more than a certain number of days each year they have to provide doctor's notes, appear in court, and pay fines for absences that are unexcuseable.
1273.	10/30/2008 6:45:00 PM	As an educator new to Alaska, I find it disturbing that the state makes it so hard to teach here. Certification from other states isn't recognized. Other states have reciprocity but Alaska not only doesn't have that, they make us go through so many hoops that it is impossible for some good teachers to get it done. It is very costly too! If we have college degrees and teaching certificates in other states why do we have to take basic tests like the Praxis I???? That is an insult.
1274.	10/30/2008 6:44:00 PM	The education is good the teachers are committed, the parents need to be more involved.
1275.	10/30/2008 6:51:00 PM	I would like to see more Alaska Natives in both the State administration of DOLWD and DEED programs. I believe we strongly need an Alaska Native Advisory Council to both of these bodies and I would volunteer to be a part of that coordinting committee. MJ Longley, Ed.D.
1276.	10/30/2008 6:52:00 PM	The education systems need to change and meeting the credits earned need to be more compatible so if a student moves they aren't having to do lots of extra work because the credit requirements differ.
1277.	10/30/2008 7:02:00 PM	We have a lot to be proud of. Our schools are excellent. Yet, the fact remains, good school are expensive to maintain. It is not enough that we establish good schools with modern facilities. These building relie on the people who work in them, the students who study in them and the families that support them. Educaiton is a process, and it takes consistant time and diligence.
1278.	10/30/2008 7:06:00 PM	It needs a lot of work and collaborative work and most importantly inviting Indigenous Peoples to the planning meetings from the get go instead of as an after thought, creating positions that address Rural and Indigenous Peoples Educational affairs and looking to the models that are succeeding within communities and not creating dependency on outside resources.
1279.	10/30/2008 7:15:00 PM	The programs seem to be wonderful and address a wide range of needs for the students and communities.
1280.	10/30/2008 7:21:00 PM	Too large of class sizes.
1281.	10/30/2008 7:22:00 PM	It is very good in many ways, but there is always room for impovement.
1282.	10/30/2008 7:27:00 PM	There is no one right way to do anything. Let's work together and use our individual and community resources to help students, teachers and parents work together for our children and our future.
1283.	10/30/2008 7:30:00 PM	I think it is going well
1284.	10/30/2008 7:31:00 PM	We have highly qualified educators in this state that should not have to take some silly test (Praxis) that says they are allowed to teach. Standardized tests are not a good measurement on indicating a person's ability to instruct or teach.
1285.	10/30/2008 7:33:00 PM	I think there should be more interesting work, and more independant studies.
1286.	10/30/2008 7:36:00 PM	I think that it is great
1287.	10/30/2008 7:37:00 PM	Education in Alaska is needed all the time.
1288.	10/30/2008 7:38:00 PM	wildlife
1289.	10/30/2008 7:38:00 PM	Education in Alaska is good and the standards are high but not to high and most kids can meet the standards.
1290.	10/30/2008 7:38:00 PM	I've learned a good deal of knowlage from the teachers I've had and wish there were more like them.
1291.	10/30/2008 7:40:00 PM	We need great teachers to work on the special education problem! Find and offer great regular education teachers $$$ to help special education!
1292.	10/30/2008 7:42:00 PM	Teach to the child NOT to a test!
1293.	10/30/2008 7:43:00 PM	Did that
1294.	10/30/2008 7:43:00 PM	It has had the best impact on me so far. I've gone to school in many states and as much as I hate to admit, this has been much better then Colorado and Alabama.
1295.	10/30/2008 7:44:00 PM	Lower student, teacher ratios is the biggest way we could improve our education system.
1296.	10/30/2008 7:44:00 PM	it great
1297.	10/30/2008 7:49:00 PM	there is a CTHS in a alaska that i get to go to
1298.	10/30/2008 7:50:00 PM	Include more focus on life issues
1299.	10/30/2008 7:57:00 PM	If you want to find out why there are students who are failing or dropping out, don't just look at the student, look at the family, teachers, peers, and community too. Students who succeed have support from all four.
1300.	10/30/2008 7:59:00 PM	I believe in our area (Fairbanks) that schools are fairly good, but some of the bigger high schools are too big. I would like to see smaller high schools that focus on a particular mission. Hutchison High School is an example. Students who go there seem to be happy and motivated because of the focus it gives them. Schools need to be smaller to be more effective.
1301.	10/30/2008 8:01:00 PM	Standards are too much for secondary students to achieve those goals on tesing in reading/writing/math.
1302.	10/30/2008 8:02:00 PM	If we raise the expectation level of the kids they will rise to it.
1303.	10/30/2008 8:02:00 PM	Compaired to other parts of US I think we have good schools
1304.	10/30/2008 8:08:00 PM	I believe the emphasis on academic standards has been good in some ways. However, it has also stifled creativity in the classroom and added tremendous stress to the system. Students are negatively impacted when teachers and administrators are stressed out.
1305.	10/30/2008 8:08:00 PM	I think the education that is provided to students is good. I do not feel that the No Child Left Behind policy is really working. Many students who need special help need special teachers who can address their needs. Too many students are being pushed along in this system in classes that are too hard for them. Better assessment and real help needs to become a reality for all students. Students should not be allowed to move up a grade unless they have met the criteria for that level. I really like the European system where kids are tested around 8th or 9th grade. Those who can go on to higher education, those who can't find a trade and are apprenticed and continue their education in the field. We need more individuals who can do blue collar jobs. They are part of the future that the U.S. needs for a strong economy. These are the individuals who start small businesses of their own. Students should be trained in a class then placed out in the work field. We have way too many kids who are working at low income jobs because the system has left them unprepared for the job force. Not every student should go to college. Germany has a wonderful system.
1306.	10/30/2008 8:11:00 PM	Need to figure out how you can recruit and hire more people in fields such as Occupational Therapy, Speech/Language Therapy and Special Education. Alaska is not competitive with other states in terms of salaries and benefits. Too many non-qualified folks are filling these positions.
1307.	10/30/2008 8:13:00 PM	There needs to be greater communication between all entities that support education. The state department needs to be in direct contact with teachers at all levels. Preschool teachers need to be aware of the struggles of education at the state level as well as within their own school. All working toward one goal.
1308.	10/30/2008 8:17:00 PM	N/A
1309.	10/30/2008 8:20:00 PM	That we need to invest, invest, invest.
1310.	10/30/2008 8:21:00 PM	There are too many places where the schools are not well connected to the parents and the communities. There are many schools in both rural and urban Alaska that do not provide the students a meaningful look at what lies ahead after graduation... how does the schooling lead to jobs, careers & a meaningful life.
1311.	10/30/2008 8:21:00 PM	We have excellent academic programs and Social-Emotional learning programs. There are great teachers, schools, and systems in place. We need to continue supporting quality academic AND SEL programs, and fund programs to create smaller class sizes.
1312.	10/30/2008 8:33:00 PM	I am very discouraged that Alaska has such a difficult time attracting and keeping qualified teachers. We are having to "make do" with unqualified and not certificated personnel which puts a huge strain on others to pick up the slack because legal paperwork continues to need being done by "certificated" personnel. Retirement/salary/COLA would all be areas of interest to keep qualified staff. I do not believe the incentive bonuses is not a fair and equal way to treat teachers who make a huge difference in their schools. It is discriminatory.
1313.	10/30/2008 8:37:00 PM	We need to continue to promote increased physical activity for our children, and provide opportunities and equipment for that to happen during the school day. Every child in Alaska, should be trained in some of the basic outdoor winter physical activities to know how to enjoy the Alaska outdoors, stay mentally and physically healthy. Especially ice skating and skiing, snowshoeing. All easily accessible with a small invest.
1314.	10/30/2008 8:37:00 PM	nothing
1315.	10/30/2008 8:40:00 PM	it's great.
1316.	10/30/2008 8:40:00 PM	good
1317.	10/30/2008 8:42:00 PM	I would like to tell you that our education systems are decent but the size of classes and the number of schools compared to students, needs to change. There are 45 students per class at Colony High School. That size of class makes it impossible to anyone to learn.
1318.	10/30/2008 8:42:00 PM	?
1319.	10/30/2008 8:43:00 PM	nothing.....................
1320.	10/30/2008 8:43:00 PM	the kids dont wsnt to listen and that they dont want to learn and most of them do drugs
1321.	10/30/2008 8:43:00 PM	that it is great we love it .it is the best
1322.	10/30/2008 8:44:00 PM	Lunch time needs to be extended
1323.	10/30/2008 8:45:00 PM	That it is great!
1324.	10/30/2008 8:46:00 PM	Its really boring and stupid
1325.	10/30/2008 8:47:00 PM	There is a lot of drug abuse and violence within the students.
1326.	10/30/2008 8:52:00 PM	Its OK
1327.	10/30/2008 8:53:00 PM	Alaskas education is pretty good.
1328.	10/30/2008 8:59:00 PM	We need a new regiem of school board members, they are crooked and they don't live up to the standards of what they preach.
1329.	10/30/2008 9:11:00 PM	Education in Alaska is okay, but it could be better. There needs to focus more on the students by having smaller classes. This allows teachers to help students work on becoming better from where they are rather than trying to teach a class of 29 from the same start. They are at so many different levels that many are not challenged and many need a lot more instruction to understand.
1330.	10/30/2008 9:23:00 PM	We need BALANCED, well rounded education, not test driven, reductionist instruction. NO schools or students in Alaska should be "left behind" if we as Alaskans take hold, articulate and implement what WE want for our students, throughout the system.
1331.	10/30/2008 9:26:00 PM	Until we have everyone on board moving towards the same goals, we will remain at a stand still. Alaska has so much knowledge and experience to offer, yet still we are still behind the rest of the country in many ways. More focus needs to be on education in every aspect of the community. Adult education, bilingual, mental health, etc. More support across the board in these areas will directly filter down to our students.
1332.	10/30/2008 9:38:00 PM	Education in Alaska is very complex--a love/hate relationship with me. Education in inner-cities has to deal with crime, drugs and race relations, perhaps. In Alaska, we deal with the cold, low population growth, and lessons that, frequently, are irrelevant to the students' lives. Education is education and I believe should be focused on that. It's not about raising other people's children for them, having parties, or building football fields. Community funds should motivate, yes. Teacher's in education should be supported with jobs that involve teaching. Keep it simple.
1333.	10/30/2008 9:48:00 PM	That adequately funding schools is not "throwing money at the problem". Do whatever it takes to SHRINK CLASS SIZES.
1334.	10/30/2008 9:56:00 PM	Universities need to work more closely to support local districts and their initiative. We need to start funding early childhood programs especially for families who live in poverty. We need to support teachers and not regulate systems that make teachers' jobs more challenging.
1335.	10/30/2008 10:03:00 PM	Most Teachers I know are tired of spending their own money on supplies. I feel we should pay our Superintendants less, less secretaries and MORE Teahcers who are qualified and unbiased toward politics and religion.
1336.	10/30/2008 10:07:00 PM	I just told you.
1337.	10/30/2008 10:10:00 PM	For many students who have never been outside Alaska it is a significant cultural shock when they attend college in the lower 48. We need some way for students to make that connection earlier instead of being thrown into it. Career & Technical programs should not be lumped with special education for funding. Whomever put the most expensive programs together in a funding block didn't know much about program costs.
1338.	10/30/2008 10:11:00 PM	As with all things, it has it's strengths and weaknesses. I know that it is difficult to address everyones concerns as we all have our own unique opinion. I also understand that there is not unlimited funding for education.
1339.	10/30/2008 10:14:00 PM	We are not graduating students who will be competitive in the world. We are graduating students who come home after a semester of college because they can't handle the academics. Our universities actually have programs for rural students to "catch up" on academics so they can pass freshman classes! We need to stop enabling our students address this problem immediately!
1340.	10/30/2008 10:14:00 PM	I have loved being an educator in Alaska for the past 38 years. I have always been proud of the thoughtful planning and support offered by the state and local districts, even though some of the projects didn't necessarily create positive results. People here are more likely to respond and change direction as needs arise.
1341.	10/30/2008 10:16:00 PM	increase teachers pay.
1342.	10/30/2008 10:17:00 PM	We need education that recognizes different learning styles. Some kids are extremely intelligent but get poor grades because they are not able to conform to the only learning style our public education system will teach with. We will have more graduation and life success with curriculum that has options for 'the other kids'.
1343.	10/30/2008 10:18:00 PM	If you expect a certain level to be obtained then properly fund the educational system.
1344.	10/30/2008 10:26:00 PM	Over all very good
1345.	10/30/2008 10:31:00 PM	It would be good to offer kids more ways to get credit that are not on the college track.
1346.	10/30/2008 10:37:00 PM	The teacher's union mentality (us versus "them") is the single most detriment to education in Alaska. The union doesn't really care about the kids, but about its kingdom. Bring competition into schools and let the dead wood (teachers who don't perform) go.
1347.	10/30/2008 10:38:00 PM	Teachers and staff of ASD --keep up your good work!
1348.	10/30/2008 10:43:00 PM	Our education is great but we are still losing some students in the upper grades. As a first grade teacher, I can see those students that are already struggling as young children. They need smaller classes and a lot of attention, before, during and after school.
1349.	10/30/2008 10:48:00 PM	?
1350.	10/30/2008 10:49:00 PM	It's actually better in relation to special ed versus a lot of other states
1351.	10/30/2008 10:52:00 PM	Everything is connected. Sports, outdoor activities, class work, field trips, science fairs, robotics, family life and education. They all work together to make great, young Alaskans.
1352.	10/30/2008 11:17:00 PM	I enjoy teaching, except for the fact that I hate teaching "to the test" as I feel that it greatly impacts the students education.
1353.	10/30/2008 11:27:00 PM	I think it compares relatively well with that of other states.
1354.	10/30/2008 11:27:00 PM	The effort and work toward educational excellence is paying off!
1355.	10/30/2008 11:31:00 PM	It is the number one issue. These students become tomorrow's business owners in no time. Build the future!
1356.	10/30/2008 11:42:00 PM	Focus on basic education. Do reading, writing, and math well for all students, whatever it takes. Then, they will come back at their own time of choosing to partake of what else there is to offer.
1357.	10/30/2008 11:48:00 PM	Less crowded school, good teachers and other staff members, team work for students.
1358.	10/30/2008 11:49:00 PM	FAS is occurring in our student population in significant numbers and we need more training/resources to effectively help these students
1359.	10/30/2008 11:49:00 PM	We need more have access to communicate our concerns to those in education programs. Top down approach is culturally inapproriate for students in Alaska.
1360.	10/30/2008 11:49:00 PM	I love working in this field in this state. It is imperative that we move beyond our traditional thinking and examine the true variety of needs among our students.
1361.	10/30/2008 11:49:00 PM	The education in Alaska is growing and the opportunities available to students is great if the parents could provide more support.
1362.	10/30/2008 11:59:00 PM	Data is finally becoming something of importance in our public schools. As in other professions (medical, business, ...) educations reliance on data to dictate or influence our actions is way overdue. Call it RTI if you will. However, with so much data it can quickly become overwhelming. With such an array of various data, it is essential that districts become adept at identifying important key data and adjusting their efforts accordingly. We may all need professional development in this area.
1363.	10/31/2008 12:09:00 AM	Most of the teachers are trying really hard to teach kids where they are at. Parents should be held more accountable than the teachers for their kids education. If the kids are coming to school in dirty clothes, not fed, caring for younger siblings because the parents are working or drunk, etc. the parents should be held accountable.
1364.	10/31/2008 12:23:00 AM	It does take money to implement successful programs. ENGAGE PARENTS in new ways - stop the traditional back-to-school nights which are poorly attended at secondary schools. Develop new ways to engage the diverse parents.
1365.	10/31/2008 12:26:00 AM	I'm proud to be a part of the educational profession in Alaska.
1366.	10/31/2008 12:37:00 AM	Serving Alaska as an educator is a priviledge and an honor. I appreciate those that have given many years to educate and establish policies that help children from K-12. Education from Pre-K through high school is wonderful, but a key aspect of any education is parent involvement, critical to the success of students self-esteem, academics and life long decision making. Schools that have increased discipline and behavior issues need to have more support and a good counselor that is experienced in working with at-risk students to best impact their lives because they are dealing with many issues. Teachers do not have the time they need to talk about important life issues because of academic demands. Students with behavior problems that do not have a good place to have school (ie. intervention programs)negatively affect the others around them and it can be damaging overall to the teacher, school and others.
1367.	10/31/2008 12:47:00 AM	hopeful for the future
1368.	10/31/2008 12:56:00 AM	I have lived in Alaska for 45 years. I have gone through Anchorage schools and Alaska post-secondary programs. I now have a child in the ASD, and I am a special education teacher. I only hope that a new administration at the national level will make changes to the unrealistic and unfunded expectations teachers and students are under at this time. It is killing the love of teaching and learning.
1369.	10/31/2008 1:05:00 AM	There is an early education crisis in Alaska. Many child care centers have closed. There are about 400 fewer slots in my region for pre-schoolers. Of course, not every child care center offered early intervention or pre-school, but these are linked to school readiness and success in K-12. WE NEED MORE HEAD STARTS AND EARLY HEAD STARTS! (But you already know that.)
1370.	10/31/2008 1:07:00 AM	More vocational options would be great.
1371.	10/31/2008 1:29:00 AM	NCLB has put a lot of stress on the wrong people. When we teach in fear of failing instead of celebrating our successes, then we are headed in the wrong direction. The SBA testing does not tell everything about a student. Without funding to support "catching students up" then we are just creating undue stress for students, families, and staff.
1372.	10/31/2008 1:55:00 AM	We need to continue to innovate. We need to give students more program options. We need to fight for funding of alternative education programs. We need more math and english teachers. Class sizes are out of hand in some of our urban schools. Parents need to be better educated about their connections to their child's learning. The decay of every civilization begins in its homes and family structures.
1373.	10/31/2008 2:34:00 AM	Raise the bar and make sure the concepts are understood before moving to the next.
1374.	10/31/2008 2:41:00 AM	Figure out a way to hold parents responsible for thier child's improvement - or lack of improvement - not just the school staff. Reward those doing well by keeping them challenged and engaged.
1375.	10/31/2008 3:09:00 AM	I think we spend WAY too much $$ on programs for minority, drug intervention and graduation coach? Kids will not suceed unless THEY want to. There is no way to help a kid or adult for that matter unless they want it. Kids who don't want to come to school should go get a job until they decide they want to learn. Most minority kids don't want to be labeled, they want to be like everyone else and helped like everyone else with after school homework or tutors etc. I don't have a comment on druggy kids, they have to decide they want help before any program will help them.
1376.	10/31/2008 3:12:00 AM	Teachers are now teaching so students pass the no school left behind program and not well rounded as most are not prepared to start college and have to take remedial math, english and science when they go to college.
1377.	10/31/2008 3:16:00 AM	We must do away with NCLB guidelines and curriculum and put many more vo-tech programs back in, such as home-ec, cosmotology, wood working, plumbling, body shop, auto mechanics, etc.
1378.	10/31/2008 3:22:00 AM	There are too, many children in the public school that can barely read or write, or count. I see it every day working at the library. It is sad and yet they go to school all day long. These children need to drop the science classes, history, art, music, sports, and concentrate on these basics. They are not ready to move on until they get these basics mastered.
1379.	10/31/2008 3:26:00 AM	I am a parent and an educator, so my answers are the result of that. I would truly like to see more oversight of teaching staff - there are some wonderful teachers who do not get the recognition they deserve, and some teachers who are putting in their time for retirement. I would like to see administration keep the rigor up for teachers as well as students. If we raise the standards for students expecting them to reach them, we should do the same for teachers.
1380.	10/31/2008 3:37:00 AM	You need to support the teachers - most of them are giving their all to help kids!
1381.	10/31/2008 3:38:00 AM	I moved to Washington State for four years to allow my daughter to attend a Public High School pursuing her dream of flying... the school has no sports, it has "clubs" all relating to aviation and that industry. These kids are immersed in their passion of flying. We could do the same with Aviation there, Natural Resources, Fishing... we have all sorts of industry and if we think outside the box, we could do better. Cindy Roque (907)733-0360 cell I welcome any comments and questions you have. You need to see this public school model to believe it.
1382.	10/31/2008 3:41:00 AM	We need more Native teachers.
1383.	10/31/2008 4:18:00 AM	Education is not only in the classroom and I beam when I see Teacher's using our environment to teach. Many children learn best from being a part of activities and hands on class work. Students need to recall and report on what they learned from these activities. They should know before hand what is expected from them after they have experienced the lesson.
1384.	10/31/2008 4:54:00 AM	That there is more good than bad.
1385.	10/31/2008 5:04:00 AM	That the little ones have it the hardest!
1386.	10/31/2008 5:08:00 AM	We live in Alaska because of the unique environment and social climate here, and wouldn't trade it for anything. I worry though, that the schools are limiting the best and brightest to excel to their highest potential. Smaller class size would give teachers the ability to differentiate instruction and address the needs of all students, on all levels. This alone would improve education in AK more than any other action.
1387.	10/31/2008 5:54:00 AM	Education in Alaska is like AK itself, unique. There are also many amazing learning opportunities to be had out and about in Alaska, it is it's own school.
1388.	10/31/2008 7:01:00 AM	We have many dedicated people working long days and unpaid overtime doing their best to educate our children. Parents and community members need come together with school staff to provide the highest quality education possible.
1389.	10/31/2008 8:18:00 AM	I loved my experience as a student!
1390.	10/31/2008 8:23:00 AM	I have worked in several schools in our district. The disparity between the haves and have-nots is huge. The schools with more professional, educated parents are squeaky wheels--and thus those wheels get oiled more often. You also need to put REAL TEACHERS into the secondary level of bilingual education, NOT 'tutors'. This is a simple funding issue. Our population in Anchorage is becoming more diverse -- if we want all students to be supported then fund actual certificated teachers for middle/high school bilingual ed. What we have right now is a joke.
1391.	10/31/2008 8:42:00 AM	Technology enhances education for all students, including those with disabilities and in many instances can serve to remove or minimize the barriers hampering students with disabilities from actively participating in the general ed curriculum. Technology standards should be adopted for all students and districts should be held accountable for such standards. ASD should be held accountable when it fails to provide an appropriate education to a student. It appears to parents that ASD is running education in the State instead of the State controlling education and overseeing ASD.
1392.	10/31/2008 2:01:00 PM	There needs to be more ECE programs in place for all students. There needs to be scholarships available to ALL students not just minorities! and the parent icome should not be a factor.
1393.	10/31/2008 2:54:00 PM	Keep up the good fight
1394.	10/31/2008 3:27:00 PM	Teachers do their best with what support and resources are available.
1395.	10/31/2008 3:40:00 PM	Under NCLB, there has been such a change in the teaching profession. This is, without a doubt, one of the most stressful times in my career as a teacher.
1396.	10/31/2008 4:21:00 PM	As with anything I don't feel as if it is perfect. I do however feel we are doing a good job for the most part.
1397.	10/31/2008 4:29:00 PM	We need to fund appropriately, reduce class size at all levels, provide more opportunity for non-college bound students, and review the need for an exit exam from high school.
1398.	10/31/2008 4:32:00 PM	It is much better than the rest of the country. When kids from other states transfer in to our system, they are often behind.
1399.	10/31/2008 4:52:00 PM	Keep hiring good teachers. Fairly compensate educators and administrators. Fairly allocate resources across the state.
1400.	10/31/2008 4:57:00 PM	I'm not sure what to suggest, but education needs to be more attractive to high schoolers in the villages. Students there don't seem to see the benefits of education. I like how the schools offer activities for students outside of the school day, but schools need more funding to allow everyone the chance to participate in extra-curricular activities that may last a lifetime.
1401.	10/31/2008 5:11:00 PM	Change the new retirement system back to what it use to be to attract the best and brightest teachers and administrators to Alaska's schools.
1402.	10/31/2008 5:16:00 PM	I have lived here for over 35 years and I have observed that our teachers are dedicated and want to do a good job. One of the things that is a concern is the seemingly reluctance for new teachers to get involved in their professional organizations. There seems to be a lack of looking at a national view of education. There are lots of good teaching and learning going on but there is a lack of sharing of good programs. Professional Development can help!
1403.	10/31/2008 5:43:00 PM	it sucks
1404.	10/31/2008 5:53:00 PM	The only way our people will start to get invloved with the education system of today is by giving a formal apology for past treatments, which caused ill feelings overall to outside teachers and administrators, and is still carried on today. Acknowledgement of the importance of local language first and learning English alongside of our languages will eliminate resentments, pain, shame and blame, definitely opening minds for healing to start.
1405.	10/31/2008 5:55:00 PM	Children need to be our top priority. Not the unions, not the federal grantors, but the children, period.
1406.	10/31/2008 5:58:00 PM	It needs to be looked at.
1407.	10/31/2008 6:00:00 PM	All students need opportunites to be successful
1408.	10/31/2008 6:01:00 PM	Why is it that our society (including the educational system k-12) glorifies and worships athletics over education? Our news media prints ANTHING about a studnet's athletic achievements/failures and yet will not even mention an artistic/academic performance ... unless a parent or teacher submits an editorial. The EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION ALLOWS AND EVEN FOSTERS THIS BIZARRE MENTATLITY and then wonders what we can do help the kids and communicty focus on education... Perhaps a little balance is in order?
1409.	10/31/2008 6:12:00 PM	It may not be perfect, but it is a good place to raise kids and to work in education.
1410.	10/31/2008 6:13:00 PM	More opportunities for Vocational training.
1411.	10/31/2008 6:17:00 PM	I find that in working in a intensive needs program, there seems to be less interest in hiring these individuals, when, some are good canditates for employment part or full time. The missing link is support personnel. Too much bias/stigma as well. Funding in this program has also been limited.
1412.	10/31/2008 6:23:00 PM	It needs more monetary support. Teachers need to get paid better and have competitive retirement packages. Alaska teachers (especially Anchorage teachers) are amongst the lowest paid teachers in the nation, new Alaska teachers have no retirement plan other than their own savings, and Alaska teachers are not eligible to receive their earned Social Security benefits. With so little monetary incentive to teach, I can understand our lack of great teachers - people are going to higher paying jobs. Teacher Assistant salaries are so low it is sad.
1413.	10/31/2008 6:26:00 PM	The standards are too low. They teach to the lowest level of student instead of pushing students to excell.
1414.	10/31/2008 6:27:00 PM	The focus is so strong on NCLB and not students. More concern on how the system looks on achievment. I realize that funding stems on the outcome, however, we could still achieve good out come, just go about it from looking at the Whole child vs just the academics.
1415.	10/31/2008 6:36:00 PM	We need top management team's fresh leadership who bravely try out new ways.
1416.	10/31/2008 6:44:00 PM	How can we improve attendance/graduation rates when this is not a truancy state? And why did the state choose attendance as a factor on AYP? Why does the state test special education students on grade level (SBA's) if to qualify there has to be a "pattern of strengths and weaknesses" far below grade level expectations?
1417.	10/31/2008 7:11:00 PM	If your goal is one student at a time, you will need to allow the time for each student. This means more caring people, more money and again, more time to reach them. It is a great goal!
1418.	10/31/2008 7:17:00 PM	It's a good place to be a teacher.
1419.	10/31/2008 7:21:00 PM	needs to strengthen CTE programs to help students with transition to work. We also need a stronger community college program to help with this transition
1420.	10/31/2008 7:21:00 PM	We read staggering statistics this summer about the LOW number of Alaskan high school graduates who are actually prepared to be successful in college. This needs to change.
1421.	10/31/2008 7:31:00 PM	the rural areas need to receive more funding
1422.	10/31/2008 7:36:00 PM	Alaska does very little to encourage and support teachers who pursue National Board Certification (NBC), yet National Board Certification has been proven to significantly improve a teacher's practice and positively impact student learning. I have been volunteering my time for eight years at a local level to support teachers who are interested in pursuing this certification because it makes a difference for kids. As a National Board Certified Teacher I understand the impact the process had on my own teaching practice and I continue to improve my practice as a result of what I learned. This wasn't a one shot deal where I learned something neat at a workshop. This process actually changed how I approached teaching and learning. I believe it would be impossible to pursue this process and not become a better teacher. I would like to see Alaska offer a statewide incentive for teachers who earn National Board Certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. I believe it would much more effective than the current program where entire schools earn a bonus based on how the student population tests. An incentive for earning NBC would encourage many more educators to learn about and pursue National Board Certification (approximately 250-400 hours outside of the classroom) and state funds would be directly impacting student learning by supporting teachers who are seeking to improve their effectiveness in the classroom. When Washington state implemented a state incentive for teachers who earn NBC, the numbers of National Board Certified Teachers went through the roof. The students in the state of Washington are the real beneficiaries. I truly believe a state incentive would create awareness of the NBC opportunity, encourage teachers to pursue this certification and positively impact their teaching practice which increases student learning and success.
1423.	10/31/2008 7:40:00 PM	Education in Alaska means we do not have to go outside to be educated. It's come a long way since the Boarding school era. We are no longer being punished for speaking or writing our native languages. We are working to revive our native languages and is part of the education process in most communities.
1424.	10/31/2008 7:49:00 PM	Education in Alaska can be challenging because we are not connected to the lower 48. It is both a blessing and a curse.
1425.	10/31/2008 7:52:00 PM	That Carol does an awesome job and I thank the lord for her. Because where would we be without her?
1426.	10/31/2008 7:58:00 PM	The State of Alaska is at a crossroads where more of our graduates from high school will remain in the state for education post high school. Whether that education is technical or college we need to prepare those students for work and life in a very diverse state. With the exodus of students from the village we need to be ready to take a different approach to education in order to meet the needs of those rural students; whether they return to the village, stay in the urban areas of Alaska or end up in Silicon Valley!!! It is a tough job but one well worth the challenge.
1427.	10/31/2008 7:58:00 PM	It needs a lot of improvement. Many children are not receiving quality education within public schools. I feel that is partly why so many parents are turning to homeschooling.
1428.	10/31/2008 8:02:00 PM	There are many extremely dedicated teachers in this state, people who deeply care about children and their education. These people should be recognized and respected.
1429.	10/31/2008 8:08:00 PM	We need to find ways to recruit, retain, and pay quality educators...with higher pay can come higher expectations.
1430.	10/31/2008 8:21:00 PM	It is supported by a dedicated group of professionals that take their mission seriously.
1431.	10/31/2008 8:29:00 PM	It seems that it is only about paperwork instead of learning. The teachers have too much paperwork and the kids have too much testing. But they don't seem ready to face life. It is just fake learning not practical learning.
1432.	10/31/2008 8:40:00 PM	They take care of their teachers!
1433.	10/31/2008 8:45:00 PM	It needs to be a priority with everyone. From funding to teachers, parents and students.
1434.	10/31/2008 8:54:00 PM	I am fortunate to be on Tier 1. A better retirement program and health plan needs to come back to keep and hire quality teachers. Administrators also need more monitoring so that school policy is followed.
1435.	10/31/2008 9:03:00 PM	None
1436.	10/31/2008 9:05:00 PM	thanks
1437.	10/31/2008 9:11:00 PM	Thank you.
1438.	10/31/2008 9:25:00 PM	Considering the breadth and variety we have in Alaska I feel that we are progressing well. More partnerships with universities will be beneficial.
1439.	10/31/2008 9:38:00 PM	I would ask all politicians to focus on investing $$$$ on education!
1440.	10/31/2008 9:55:00 PM	We need to encourage more parental involvment. It is impossible to reach all children if the teachers are the only ones reinforcing positive messages about education and social skills. We need families to take an active role in their child's education. Quite a lofty goal, I know.
1441.	10/31/2008 10:25:00 PM	Overall, students receive a good education and most educators are dedicated to providing a strong educational program.
1442.	10/31/2008 10:25:00 PM	Utilize a standard curriculum throughout the state. Purchase all fuels used by the schools in the state, deduct it from out funding formula and perhaps get a better price.
1443.	10/31/2008 10:26:00 PM	Students have so many wonderful options available to them that if their families and home life support the system and the student, they will be successful in life! Do what you're told; when you're told to do it; with a positive attitude, sincerity and honesty and you will be at the head of the class.
1444.	10/31/2008 11:00:00 PM	Have an in state incentive program for Alaska teachers who DESIRE to work in rural Alaska, and give them the SUPPORT funding to change the rural school environment from dyfunctional to a healthy and positive image of an education learning path to success. Let our students know they can achieve! Quit discriminating against our First Peoples. Give them a voice and listen to them with empathy.
1445.	10/31/2008 10:59:00 PM	I sincerely think that there is hope for our children in Alaska, if we continue to look at implementing Social and Emotional Learning in the classroom along with high academic expectations.
1446.	10/31/2008 11:04:00 PM	nothing
1447.	10/31/2008 11:06:00 PM	Veteran teachers frequently discuss the fact that the primary student population is changing dramatically. Teachers are now responsible for not only educating students but also providing students with skills that were once addressed by families. Teachers now have to teach very basic manners (please, thank you) and social skills so students know how to positively interact with each other. Major behavior problems in the primary grades are now commonplace.
1448.	10/31/2008 11:17:00 PM	we need to pay better for teacher so we get the best of the best
1449.	10/31/2008 11:30:00 PM	Bush education is not able to keep up with urban scores or lower 48 scores. There are too many social and parental issues that prohibit students from learning. In addition to teachers, we need social workers. The PFD should not be released during October and should be done during the summer since students choose to be absent once the money is received.
1450.	10/31/2008 11:32:00 PM	I would like to see the administration building support the hard working teachers. It would be helpful if this support was communicated to parents and this teamwork idea became the norm, rather than the exception. Thanks.
1451.	10/31/2008 11:34:00 PM	I don't believe that K-12 students have equal treatment in funding. The K-12 student in Rural Alaska is just as important at the K-12 student in Urban Alaska.
1452.	10/31/2008 11:34:00 PM	It depends on what school you go to as to what you will get. Schools need more money and support for special education.
1453.	10/31/2008 11:38:00 PM	We are appreciative of the educational opportunities offered.
1454.	10/31/2008 11:37:00 PM	I am excited to be a part of the educational team.
1455.	10/31/2008 11:52:00 PM	The students need more support in general now than they ever had. There is so much out in the world that can direct them the wrong way and parents are often not involved. As much as we want parents to get involved, there are always going to be those that don't. Alaska's schools and staffs unfortunately have taken on more than just an education role. We are parenting many of our students. In order to meet the needs of these students we need to lower class sizes across all grade levels.
1456.	11/1/2008 2:10:00 AM	Continue to keep teachers involved in the decision making process. The one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work in our diverse state.
1457.	11/1/2008 2:30:00 AM	We need smaller class sizes and more SPED teachers to support the high SPED population.
1458.	11/1/2008 2:40:00 AM	Some schools are good and some are not. Just like some teachers and good and some are not. Quit blaming all the problems on the teachers and start holding negligent parents accountable for the children's behaviors.
1459.	11/1/2008 4:26:00 AM	Let's attract the "best of the best" teachers and pay them accordingly. Those who have the most influence on our children are being paid the least.
1460.	11/1/2008 4:33:00 AM	As you are aware, our state has unique challenges. We need to address problems in rural areas as well as those in urban areas. We need a plan, and stick to it. I think we waste a lot of money programs that are replaced a few years down the road. NCLB does NOT work. We need to stop wasting money on a philosophy that is flawed. I am sickened on the number of young people who do not graduate from high school. We need to address that BIG time!
1461.	11/1/2008 5:32:00 AM	More money is not the answer. Doing things differently that may be uncomfortable for adults and teachers and holding the system accountable. Get rid of educational malpractice.
1462.	11/1/2008 6:29:00 AM	Here in Alaska we have all the right students. As educators we MUST think outside the box - and figure out how we can best service these students. We must be creative - be respectful - be caring and be effective. We have the tools - we need strong leadership...... Thanks for asking and for your work in determining the direction Alaskans need to direct themselves.
1463.	11/1/2008 11:19:00 AM	I believe that there are too many administrators in the Anchorage School District who do nothing while teachers scurry around trying to do more with less. There should be a cap on how much districts spend on administration. I also believe that DEED needs to take responsibility for providing and supervising special education in a more fundamental way. The complaint system is ineffective, the hearing system worse, and there is no real oversight. This is what gives special education a bad name when it should be a good way to help kids.
1464.	11/1/2008 2:51:00 PM	We have five children. Three of them went on to Post graduate studies) two are doctors and one is working on his masters/PhD. The other two children are at UAA in undergrad right now and will probably go on to postgraduate programs also. They are only able to do that due to our diligence at home, challenging them with more information. We worked on homework at home in workbooks that I supplemented. I have my teaching degree and I supplemented their education the whole time. I watched their friends fail/drop out/have lower standards/etc. The standards are too low in the school system. The average student will have a very hard time making it in the real world.
1465.	11/1/2008 2:55:00 PM	We need to be more forward focussed and make sure we are preparing our students for life in the 21st century and a job market that requires creative and willing participants with skills to take on any number of tasks.
1466.	11/1/2008 3:27:00 PM	I am a product of Alaskan education K-12 and post-secondary. My post-secondary success came in part through the introduction of technology that allowed me to communicate with others outside of my community and explore ideas in other communities across my state and across the nation. A quality education no longer looks like a textbook and a weekly quiz. My education included apprenticeship-types of activities in the classrom. I used technology to complete research using national databases. I created videos of the application my work in my field of study. I shared these videos with my fellow students in other parts of the state. These are the possibilities I see for high school students. They are in desperate need of motivation through the mediums they use outside of school. They know the value and the possibilities of technogy. Our educational system needs to catch up with them in this knowledge in order to put it into service in providing an education that students will engage in to learn the skills, strategies, behaviors, and attitudes described our Standards.
1467.	11/1/2008 4:43:00 PM	Draw more connections between real life and their current education. More job shadow, more people from the community going into the schools to share their experiences about school/work connections. More people who learned lessons the hard way and still succeeded. MORE sex education and substance education.
1468.	11/1/2008 7:27:00 PM	I believe that we, as educators, hold ourselves to a very high standard and this should be continued through staff development at a higher level that what we see know within our district.
1469.	11/1/2008 7:41:00 PM	The standards based curriculum is very confusing to parents because of lack of communication from the district. I have twins, one with autism and one who would be considered gifted. I feel like our school is doing a good job meeting the needs of my special ed student, but not his twin. I was told there is no gifted program in our district (Denali Borough). I feel like the standards based curriculum does a better job of helping the kids who are behind or are average academically, but does not address the needs of students who excel. There is a strong tendency to keep kids at the same level, regardless of their ability. The needs of above average or gifted are not being met.
1470.	11/1/2008 9:20:00 PM	The support for students and parents on the high school level is not sufficient. Teachers at the high school level are more likely to communicate only through the internet and don't take the time to call or send a note to parents to maintain contact.
1471.	11/1/2008 9:25:00 PM	I think the teachers are doing a great job. Every year more and more is being added to what needs to be taught in the schools. We can either do a good job with a core curriculum or we can do an okay job with an expanded curriculum. There is only so much time in a school year.
1472.	11/1/2008 9:26:00 PM	Teachers are working their tails off, but are fighting an uphill battle when many children arrive at school without socialization, reading readiness, or even basic self care skills.
1473.	11/1/2008 9:47:00 PM	students would obtain more information if given more time to focus on limited content areas instead of given several standards and getting only a split intro less standards more time to really get an understanding
1474.	11/1/2008 9:58:00 PM	We are heading in the right direction but we really need to focus on what will prepare our children for living in a global community: Early Childhood Education Higher Standards
1475.	11/1/2008 10:17:00 PM	I think Schools need to take a closer look at the teachers, PRINCIPALS, and administrators and see who is qualified to be in the positions they are in.
1476.	11/1/2008 10:59:00 PM	Although community control in a vast and disparate state is necessary, state government needs to provide stronger connections between curriculum leaders in our 50+ districts. I would advocate for curriculum coordinators in each core subject area as well as in support of other disciplines. Disjointed but well meaning efforts in our multitude of districts is inefficient at best, and harmful to Alaska's youth, taxpayers, and all of society at worst.
1477.	11/1/2008 11:16:00 PM	i use to think that the rural students were short changed with the limited "field trips" versus the on road schools. now they can go on field trips on line.
1478.	11/2/2008 12:08:00 AM	I think teachers bear too much burden and that the load is not equally shared among Anchorage School District employees.
1479.	11/2/2008 12:08:00 AM	Education needs to be based on research and what works best. Testing is taking up way too much of instruction time.
1480.	11/2/2008 1:08:00 AM	At the beginning of school parents are required to fill out papers for each teacher with name, phone number and email addresses, yet the teachers (high school level) DO NOT USE THEM. It is frustrating to find out at report card time that a student is not doing well in class (receiving a D) and the teacher does not call or email or return notes.
1481.	11/2/2008 1:13:00 AM	For most students, school is successful. For low-income families, children and their families need more support. I don't know how to do that.
1482.	11/2/2008 3:38:00 AM	class size too large
1483.	11/2/2008 6:35:00 AM	Funding must increase to keep class size down. First grade teachers should have a teacher assistant every day for the reading instruction block.
1484.	11/2/2008 6:54:00 AM	Support it.
1485.	11/2/2008 8:04:00 AM	Overall is ok - could have teachers focus more on empowering kids.
1486.	11/2/2008 8:05:00 AM	Keep cultural channels open and the differences in education minimized by making village schools less challenged by dollars, making quality teachers more available to all students in every area of Aaaska, and continuing to teach every Alaskan that their contributions to society are valued by spreading dollars across Alaska.
1487.	11/2/2008 5:26:00 PM	Unless parents can be involved and committed to their child's education as an issue of social justice, any other reforms are merely tinkering around the edges. Preschool, early education, must include and involve the child's parents.
1488.	11/2/2008 5:55:00 PM	Most teachers care about their students and it seems schools are working to enhance learning.
1489.	11/2/2008 6:48:00 PM	We produce some quality students, but many drop out. Having higher standards will only increase the drop-out rate, so we need to develop an alternative educational path for these students.
1490.	11/2/2008 6:48:00 PM	Still a work in progress...
1491.	11/2/2008 7:23:00 PM	I feel that education in Alaska is teetering on the edge of success. We strive to make it better and there are many great ideas that will enhance education and educational sucess however we need to begin acting on these ideas and implementing those that work. Not all ideas will work in all schools as we have a huge range of school types and styles (i.e. rural, urban) and may need to be structured accordingly for each facility. We need to move forward to educational success or we will be left behind on an national level.
1492.	11/2/2008 8:54:00 PM	I think for some students it is a stepping stone to greater opportunities. The Anchorage School District does an excellent job of preparing students for college. In college, son and his classmates do as well as students from private schools around the country. As a middle school and former high school teacher, I see that for some students, college is not a choice they wish to pursue. For them, the secondary program fails. They are placed in classes they have no interest in and it affects the quality of education of everyone there and the morale of everyone, including the teacher. I also would like to say the ESL program needs to change, at least at the middle and high school level. These students are not getting the services they need.
1493.	11/2/2008 9:29:00 PM	The system is working. It can become more efficent, but it IS working.
1494.	11/2/2008 11:01:00 PM	That we need to be sure that we give our students every opportunity to continue to grow academically through technology and programs that give them the best choices to make them successful as adults when we no longer have them in our schools.
1495.	11/2/2008 11:29:00 PM	The existing model works just well enough for us to muddle along. This makes it difficult for there to be enough political will to change a system that is deteriorating. AND that's in the urban areas. What about the bush? We cannot even educate enough teachers each year to fill our needs. Where is the legislature in trying to tackle these issues?
1496.	11/2/2008 11:46:00 PM	What my work in the urban areas don't have a corresponding effect in the rurals areas.
1497.	11/3/2008 12:35:00 AM	Rural alaska is ignored by the state of Alaska in terms of importance of the individuals as a resource. Urban vs Rural.
1498.	11/3/2008 1:56:00 AM	Education is not something that is valued where I am teaching. It is to some, a necessary evil they must go through for a part of their life that they feel holds no value to them at all. They cannot wait to graduate so they can go and find a job. It is never stressed to the H.S. students that they really do need some kind of training to find that job.
1499.	11/3/2008 2:31:00 AM	I think that we really need to look at early childhood education as a state and parental supports. Most of the kids dropping out of school and struggling with their schooling do not have good parental support, and that's because the parents themselves are in need of education and help.
1500.	11/3/2008 2:35:00 AM	We ask too much of elementary teachers and we are not supporting the alternatives to college bound education and valuing our students who don't want to go to college but want to pursue other passions. We allow way too many crazy parents to shape the policies in our schools and parents who can't control themselves or their kids need to seek alternatives. We should not be allowing violent and psychologically ill students to attend school. Parents' input should be valued at the school level, but they shouldn't be allowed to intimidate and force policy.
1501.	11/3/2008 2:41:00 AM	Class size should be limited to 15 students per teacher
1502.	11/3/2008 3:10:00 AM	We have a long way to go. Our "clients" are changing. We have increases in ELL students, students with IEPs, and disruptive, rude students. How does a district teach all students, meeting the growth and scores required? It's a tough challenge. Traditional education as we knew it isn't working. I'm forwarding this survey link to teachers to respond. You need to hear the balance.
1503.	11/3/2008 3:20:00 AM	I like that we have options for the traditional high school program--Alaska Youth Academy, Boarding Schools like Mt. Edgecumbe, in Stitka and Job Corp. Not all children are alike. We need vocational schools, trading schools, and colleges that meet the needs of our diverse state.
1504.	11/3/2008 4:58:00 AM	Many of our schools ( not just title one schools ) have students that are living in very disfunctional house holds where they are not being cared for, and not getting to school. There is no teeth in the truancy law and so there is little school personnel can do. These children are not getting an appropriate education through no fault of the teachers but because they are not getting to school on a regular basis.
1505.	11/3/2008 5:25:00 AM	The standards need to be much higher. I investigated so many schools before entering my child. The expectations are so low. I've lived in several states and have, through my job, always had a lot of information on education and to me it appears Alaska's standards are exceptionally low. It does my child little good to be in the top 5% here if that is really the bottom of the pile outside. It is difficult to measure success when the statewide standard is so low. Alaska should expect more from its students. There are so many bright children here instead Alaska seems to serve the lowest common denominator rather than the large number of bright students and those eager to learn and succeed. Teachers also need to be held to a higher standard.
1506.	11/3/2008 8:40:00 AM	Homeschool administrative costs receive too much of money while the family providing the actual learning and resources receives only a pittance of what is allocated for that student.
1507.	11/3/2008 3:03:00 PM	A lot of the difficulties of education in Alaska, however, can't be pinned on the teachers. Until the parents agree that their children must be in school, on time, regularly, we can't begin to reach them all. Right now, we are remarkably successful with the students who do come to school. We cannot reach those who do not value education, or who are too at risk to be able to consider it in their daily planning.
1508.	11/3/2008 3:42:00 PM	My daughter went through this system and it seems to have served her well.
1509.	11/3/2008 4:13:00 PM	Locally biased towards attending 4 year colleges. All the kudos go towards those doing the best towards those goals. Not so with those wanting to be plumbers welders or fisher people. No awards ceremonies, and for that matter, no classes.
1510.	11/3/2008 4:50:00 PM	Funding is key both at the K-12 level and at the college level.
1511.	11/3/2008 5:30:00 PM	I am not interested in sending my children to public school - it is not a safe environment in more ways than one. If a parent chooses to educated their children at home it is a right and a wonderful privilege because I have a husbund who has made sacrifices to allow me to stay at home. We live in a small home - 2 bedrooms - 3 children - 1 boy and 2 girls. We live simply and the sacrifice is worth it because of the kind of children they are becoming. They are the leaders of tomorrow - just wait!!!!
1512.	11/3/2008 5:41:00 PM	I would like to see more loan forgiveness programs for students going out of state for education and returning into hard to find career tracks. (engineering, Physical therapy, nursing, Math and science teachers.)
1513.	11/3/2008 6:05:00 PM	It could be a lot better.
1514.	11/3/2008 6:31:00 PM	It is greatly lacking in the area of character training.
1515.	11/3/2008 6:44:00 PM	Just because an educator or principal looks great on paper this does not mean they are the best person for the job.
1516.	11/3/2008 7:07:00 PM	Special needs children are falling through the cracks. The system is failing them.
1517.	11/3/2008 7:12:00 PM	we need to have teachers that are willing to make a game-type learning for the younger early ed children, so that they may hopefully stay interested in the advancement of the education system. I have grandchildren and I want them to take advantage of all that they can while they are in school. I also believe in homework. Very light in early ed, so as not to discourage them and then of course a bit heavier as they progress to the higher grade levels.
1518.	11/3/2008 7:20:00 PM	We need to educate more parents and get them involved in their kids academic activities. Lets employ more educators or add more time to paraprofessionals ( they are the forefront of the force and are more trusted by kids) instead of opening so many new remedial useless programs. Put our money where is more productive!
1519.	11/3/2008 7:39:00 PM	There are many successful models for education, we do not need to create new studies, but instead think beyond the box, listen to parents, students, grandparents, examine successful models and put the two together to create success in schools that can transfer to solid life skills. What works in one community may not in another, and the state needs to be flexible and not do the 'one sixe fits all' thinking, it will not work in Alaska.
1520.	11/3/2008 7:49:00 PM	Standards for education seem to be much less than those in the lower 48. I have had personal experience with AK high school graduates that don't use proper capitalization and grammer; when I asked them why they didn't they told me that no one ever taught them how to use it.
1521.	11/3/2008 7:50:00 PM	is HSGQE necessary when standards are so low?
1522.	11/3/2008 7:54:00 PM	We all understand that we face many challenges in education up here, some of them very unique. As with much else in life, I feel that we should play to our strengths, and through that, pull together our weaker points. We have strong communities, we shouldn't be afraid to utilize them on a personal basis to enrich our classrooms and increase those ties that will hold our children together socio-emotionally and scholastically through their troubled times. Willing people and volunteers are out there, and they get turned down/intimidated by bureaucratic and administrative inflexibility to change and partnering in teaching. Letting community members, parents, grandparents, mentors,etc. partake of the educational process would raise the quality and quantity of our system and create a circular system of community/child/education that will give any child, but especially a struggling one, a sense of caring, purpose, meaning, and support inside and out of school. I also feel that we need to strongly support our gifted programs, because our future leaders in all fields are in those programs and we would be doing ourselves and them a grave disservice by not doing our utmost to challenge their intellect.
1523.	11/3/2008 8:04:00 PM	---------
1524.	11/3/2008 8:19:00 PM	We need new direction and new people who are interested in a well rounded education rather than the robot academia oriented politically motivated trash being taugh now.
1525.	11/3/2008 8:20:00 PM	That we are darn lucky to have Mr. LeDoux driving the boat.
1526.	11/3/2008 8:26:00 PM	I appreciate that my children had the opportunity to attend school in Alaska. However, they went to colleges out of state because we felt that the college options within Alaska were not acceptable.
1527.	11/3/2008 8:27:00 PM	AK is an exciting place to teach whether it is in one of the cities or rural or remote. Let's capitalize on the cultures to teach tolerance, erase/reduce prejudices, and become a wealthy cultural melting pot working and living together.
1528.	11/3/2008 8:27:00 PM	The HSGQE's are a false perception of achievement. When I listen to SPED teachers talk about accomodations that they provide - how can this be a true testing of skills and knowledge? I think all legislators should have to take a proficiency test also - starting with the governor who obviously has no grasp of the Constitution.
1529.	11/3/2008 8:39:00 PM	Is has been fair and good for me.
1530.	11/3/2008 8:44:00 PM	As long as homeschool students are able to contribute in a worthwhile manner to their community, don't regulate them more. The methods and curriculum shouldn't matter as long as they are productive and learning. Over regulation takes education choice away from parents.
1531.	11/3/2008 8:44:00 PM	I believe Molly Hooch has placed our rural students at a disadvantage and I do not believe that was the intent. I think we need to give our children and their families choices as to where students should attend high school. If they choose to remain in their small community to finish high school they need to be able to. But, if they choose boarding school they should have that option as well. Some boarding schools need to focus on accredation for college while others should vocus on vocational training. Keep in mind funding being tight makes some of this difficult but, we need to reach out to out to all our students and strive to provide the best opportunities for every student we can to make them productive members of our state. No child should be left out of opportunites regardless of their back ground, whether they are gifted, have diabilites or just an average student.
1532.	11/3/2008 8:47:00 PM	We need to abandon the idea that ALL students want and need to have a traditional scholastic education. Some people simply arent cut out for the educational institution we have created in this country -- but these people are by no means dismissable. They absolutely can be taught skills and trades that can help them to lead very productive, contributive, and even successful lives.
1533.	11/3/2008 8:58:00 PM	Local teachers, committed teachers who are always willing to stay here as long as they can.
1534.	11/3/2008 9:03:00 PM	All children deserve the right to a educ in their community,stop $boarding schools which take away from small schools.Provide cyber school opportunities for all rural schools to offer more of a selection/opportunity.we are rapidly losing students,due to lack of $ and basic educ.teachers teaching to the test is hindering our childrenand is not right.due to high cost of energy we fall below funding level.
1535.	11/3/2008 9:17:00 PM	By only making college education important you are devaluing the other 80% of students that don't graduate from college.
1536.	11/3/2008 9:32:00 PM	The networking class I took from NPHS was awesome. It was extreemley challenging and let to a Cisco certification. It used lecture, reading and hands on methods for instruction and the tests were part written, part verbal and part "hands on" - we actually had to set up the networks. This is the kind of learning and experience that can become useful later in life. Many classes at all levels slip into the read-the-example-do-the-problem rut and the student is taught to copy ideas not create them. The "standards" may or may not need adjusting but most classes everywhere need to take an approach that puts more responsibility on the student to think and to make us his or her own mind. In all levels of education, students should also have more of a say in what they are taught. If students at a certain school regard that school as a chore and not a priviledge, the school has failed.
1537.	11/3/2008 9:50:00 PM	Both private school abd homeschool should receive funding.
1538.	11/3/2008 9:51:00 PM	We need to have parent support. That is the biggest problems in the schools. Without parent support, a teacher can not help the student value education.
1539.	11/3/2008 9:55:00 PM	The number of choices is great for studnets and their families. Higher expectations and standards would increase the overall performance when used with a higher understanding of cultural awareness.
1540.	11/3/2008 9:59:00 PM	Thanks for being open to change.
1541.	11/3/2008 9:59:00 PM	SPED is getting out of hand with its requirements.
1542.	11/3/2008 10:01:00 PM	Kids in remote rural areas need to believe in the possibilities of their lives. Sometimes school is the only voice saying, "You can." Rural teachers need the support to provide that.
1543.	11/3/2008 10:01:00 PM	Please look more closely at choice in education. Allow competition.
1544.	11/3/2008 10:02:00 PM	Alaska education is at a crossroads and we cannot continue to be fearful of technology to the point that we regulate access at the expense of allowing and teaching our students how to use the tools responsibly.
1545.	11/3/2008 10:02:00 PM	The villages are at a disadvantage and there is room for improvement state-wide. Our children deserve the best.
1546.	11/3/2008 10:04:00 PM	Costa are very high for districts off the road system.
1547.	11/3/2008 10:10:00 PM	Rural schools need more money to provide quality education.
1548.	11/3/2008 10:11:00 PM	Alaska has a good educationsl system overall.
1549.	11/3/2008 10:23:00 PM	We are further behind the Lower 48.
1550.	11/3/2008 10:25:00 PM	Just keep on going, it's a changing world, and we have to change with it.
1551.	11/3/2008 10:31:00 PM	Communication works!
1552.	11/3/2008 10:31:00 PM	There needs to a a focus on alternate methods/ outcomes for meeting the needs of the students who are not successful in the traditional program. Not just a different setting and structure.
1553.	11/3/2008 10:39:00 PM	Education in Alaska has far too often succumbed to the adopting of experimental and seemingly "progressive" programs. Many "educators" come to our state as "teachers" and having discovered that they cannot in fact teach; advance themselves as administrators. From that vantage point they implement unsound programs and oppress those that can teach. These administrators who in fact cannot teach, wind up as education bureaucrats at the top of the food chain and surround themselves with cronies; all the while increasing their salaries and padding their retirement accounts. Recognize anyone?
1554.	11/3/2008 10:47:00 PM	Make Kindergarten mandatory.
1555.	11/3/2008 10:53:00 PM	Eliminate NCLB, and return schools to parents and the community.
1556.	11/4/2008 12:06:00 AM	My children have received an incredible education in Anchorage's public school system. I am a product of this same system. I am proud of ASD and the job it is doing to educate our city's children. These are trying times for everyone. Our schools are safe havens for many kids.
1557.	11/4/2008 12:06:00 AM	We have to figure out how to meet the requirements of no child left behind, which means more resources. When ted Kennedy, Miller and Bush helped shape this legislation everyone thought it was much to ambitious, but we are making gains. If the date is moved to 2016 I think most schools can meet those goals.
1558.	11/4/2008 12:33:00 AM	WAY more $$ needs to be put to our most IMPORTANT resource
1559.	11/4/2008 2:38:00 AM	If we expect nothing of our children, that's exactly what we'll get-- and what we are getting.
1560.	11/4/2008 6:09:00 AM	I am not from Alaska and I consider standards here to be relatively low. 'No child left behind' seems to mean standards are reduced to accommodate the lowest achievers. There seems no comparative concern about what to do for children who are high achievers who are bored in class. It is impossible to access meaningful information about schools. A list of test results doesn't tell a parent what the school is like for a child attending. Open days are infrequent and many schools do not allow visits at other times of the year. Parents are left to seek out the subjective views of other parents (if they know any) of children attending the schools.
1561.	11/4/2008 6:21:00 AM	In many places it is difficult to teach like you would in the city because of great distances from places like museums. Using the cultural surroundings is the way to go, doing relevant field work and applying concepts and content to the community is where help is needed for many schools and teachers. Curriculum needs to be developed that is culturally appropriate and sensitive to the needs of the people from here.
1562.	11/4/2008 4:34:00 PM	Train Alaskans for Alaskan job opportunities! we have a chance to do this in our schools. With the up and coming projects in this state, we should start career exploration in the upper elementary. It could our current elementary that will be building and operating the gas line, if we don't start now it will be out of staters filling these jobs.
1563.	11/4/2008 5:28:00 PM	The high cost of a college degree. I have one child who graduated (and it took four years to pay off the cost of his degree), and i have two who hope to graduate in May 2009. This is a lot of dollars from a single family and the high cost of living plus the high cost of schooling.
1564.	11/4/2008 5:59:00 PM	There are many passionate and talented educators in Alaska who make the education system a success with limited resources. It would be nice to match those resources with adequate funding so that we can attract and retain the best teachers and put them in facilities that do their programs justice.
1565.	11/4/2008 7:29:00 PM	Our district offers a number of alternative programs for students to graduate. I think a district should have at least one middle college so the student may graduate with an associate degree. Try one in one or two of the five largest districts.
1566.	11/4/2008 7:50:00 PM	No Child Left Behind is an unfunded mandate that does not address the reality of the classroom.
1567.	11/4/2008 8:03:00 PM	Elementary schools re great but middle school and high school we are loosing the interest of the students.
1568.	11/4/2008 8:07:00 PM	I would like to see more emphasis on science and math because that's the foundation for the future success of this country.
1569.	11/4/2008 8:27:00 PM	Instructional methodology, strategies and programs should be evaluated annually with input from both staff and students and parents--not just based on test scores. Is there a Board of Trustees composed of Alaskan citizens and educators at the state level who advises State Superintendant? Suggestion: Town Hall meetings about education with State Superintendant on regular basis throughout AK towns and villages; Visits from State Superintendant at AK schools
1570.	11/4/2008 10:32:00 PM	We just moved here from New Jersey, my 3 children 6th grade, 9th, and 10th grade are not challenged at all. They are at-least a grade ahead of children in their classes. Last night they complained that the teachers did not push students, i.e. if you were gonna fail a class oh well. My combined kids GPA is 3.7
1571.	11/4/2008 10:46:00 PM	Blah
1572.	11/4/2008 10:47:00 PM	Be flexible. There is no "one size fits all" in education.
1573.	11/4/2008 10:48:00 PM	I am 100 percent Alaska-educated, including college and graduate school, and most of my education took place in rural Alaska. I know you can get a good education here, because I did. I also know that no amount of funding, regulation, curriculum development, or anything else the government or schools can do can take the place of supportive and involved families. We need more safety nets for students who may lack this support.
1574.	11/4/2008 11:01:00 PM	children learn better when they have well adjusted parents, and are free from substance abuse effects in families. our society would do well to address adult mental health as a way to help our children. test scores would soar if we could eliminate, or abate somewhat the baggage so many kids are forced come to school with, through no fault of their own.
1575.	11/4/2008 11:03:00 PM	Education is great in Alaska - we just need to improve on the increased awareness of the great diverse student population within the communities. We need to have an increase in bilingual/certified staff.
1576.	11/4/2008 11:44:00 PM	I wish that all students were reading by grade 3, and therefore more able to handle more and more demanding curriculum as they age.
1577.	11/4/2008 11:48:00 PM	I do not like it when I see teachers just letting students slide by with lazy attitudes and lazy work. I've seen a teacher pass a problem student in a class just because they do not want them back the next year. If a student doesn't care about his work, then let him fail. If a student wants to excel, then give them the environment to do so. Problem students get in the way of students that try and succeed.
1578.	11/4/2008 11:54:00 PM	It is the vehicle by which we tackle the challenges ahead - whether the challenge is the economy or the urban / rural divide.
1579.	11/5/2008 12:02:00 AM	It stinks.
1580.	11/5/2008 12:08:00 AM	Main stream classes should be developed with structured lesson plans to insure that all students receive a comparable education. Teachers spend an inordinant amount of time developing lesson plans which vary greatly from class to class. A grading standard should be established. One history teacher gives open book take home tests, which anyone could be completing. Another teacher teaching the same class teaches 9th grade history on a 11th - 12 th grade level. Authorized books for English classes are the same ones I read in high school 40 years ago and are viewed by current day students as boring and unrelevant. Writing skills are critical in any place of work, yet there is no standard grammer/writing text book in the high schools. Students are taught poetry but not technical writing skills.
1581.	11/5/2008 12:19:00 AM	having gone through the alaskan education system myself i found it did not prepare me for what i would encounter after leaving school. i found that it did not educate my parents as to their roll in my education. i also found that it failed in its attempt to teach me how to teach myself.
1582.	11/5/2008 12:27:00 AM	Just did that.
1583.	11/5/2008 12:59:00 AM	The cost of education in the bush is astronomical. The dollars allowed for bush schools don't go far enough to cover what really needs to be done for these students. Money is never there for vocational studies, even if you can find someone to teach a vocational skill. Or even a music or some other enrichment class. It's shameful these students don't get some of the opportunities that the more affluent communities (and districts) can afford.
1584.	11/5/2008 1:00:00 AM	We need parents to be involved more!
1585.	11/5/2008 1:14:00 AM	As long as we work for the students, we will acheive success!
1586.	11/5/2008 1:40:00 AM	We have the best choices available.
1587.	11/5/2008 2:07:00 AM	There is an increase of untrained/undisciplined students entering our schools. It takes a lot of time and energy to get them into learning mode that should go into educating the whole class. I see an increase in students who seem to think they don't have to listen to anyone, as well. Therefore, I think some well thought through commercials promoting multi-cultural families training/supporting/disciplining etc. . . their children to suceed in school/life at prime times would be a beginning. The commercials could connect parents/care givers to support agencies that could help with additional information etc. . . Just a thought.
1588.	11/5/2008 2:17:00 AM	Bring back Home Economics. The thought that "the parents can teach them that stuff" is bogus....they don't, they can't, they are too busy. Can our students balance their own checkbooks? Can they look at home loan documents and truly understand what they may be signing in the future? Can they actually cook a meal instead of going out for a higher price? Do they have a clue as to what having a child really means on into the future?
1589.	11/5/2008 5:56:00 AM	Quality in rural schools is very low. Academic choices are very few in rural schools.
1590.	11/5/2008 6:30:00 AM	help the kids who do poorly in class
1591.	11/5/2008 6:38:00 AM	It has been my experience that the basic needs of individual students are quickily sacrificed for the logistics and convience of the school staff, site, and/or budget.
1592.	11/5/2008 7:06:00 AM	Education needs to be fully funded to make a difference in Alaskan students test scores.
1593.	11/5/2008 8:02:00 AM	early child hood education and reading challenges like the battle of the books are a great start. additional math and sceince classes are the wave of the future. giving students a head start in high growth jobs is the way to keep our youth in Alaska.
1594.	11/5/2008 8:09:00 AM	The kids need a place in the winter weather to be indoors at recess when the weather is bad. This would allow for better concentration after excess energy is spent.
1595.	11/5/2008 10:54:00 AM	I would like to see less teaching to pass the no child left behind tests. Why can't the subject areas be covered thoroughly during the normal course of study? If this was followed we would have a true reading on how our schools are doing. Obviously if it is on the test it should be in the curriculumn.
1596.	11/5/2008 4:18:00 PM	I'm happy with eduction in Alaska for the most part. I visit with homeschool, public, charter, and Christian school parents. Mostly, their comments are on the postive side.
1597.	11/5/2008 4:32:00 PM	I grew up in Fairbanks and even in the 10 years since I graduated, there has been great improvements in the choices we have as parents. I hope for continued improvements as our kids and town grow and change.
1598.	11/5/2008 4:55:00 PM	Need some streamlined cooperation from PK-higher education, including data exchange.
1599.	11/5/2008 5:21:00 PM	It use to be the top state in education in America. Now it is slipping.
1600.	11/5/2008 6:54:00 PM	no comments
1601.	11/5/2008 6:58:00 PM	I think we have a very strong system, but the above issues (see number 12) would make it exceptional.
1602.	11/5/2008 7:10:00 PM	I am truly concerned about the direction of special education in Alaska. Many times you have regular education teachers providing instruction to children with significant disabilities, which proves to be far less then desirable and sometimes harmful to the students. In an effort to hide the many inappropriate situations occurring in special education, parents have been eliminated as team members. Exclusionary classrooms are developing rather then following the intent of the law... least restricted environments, with necessary supports. HEALTHY changes need to be explored.
1603.	11/5/2008 7:33:00 PM	Rural Alaskan education needs to be improved. It is sickening to know that most students who attend college from rural Alaska spend a year or two taking developmental courses before they can even start on the first year college courses.
1604.	11/5/2008 8:15:00 PM	I believe you are already aware of the fact that many of the components of NCLB do not fit within the framework of education in Alaska.
1605.	11/5/2008 8:31:00 PM	Funding for K-12 schools and the university system need to be addressed or Alaska will increasingly become a place that is not attractive to teach and attracting/retaining quality K-12 teachers and university faculty will continue to be a problem.
1606.	11/5/2008 8:56:00 PM	Although, we have been in Alaska for 15 years now, we are a military family. In transferring often Kodiak does not have a good reputation in offering a challenging education, although their are some teachers who buck the system and advance those kids who can handle it. As families have transferred out of Alaska they've found that their children struggle and are not up-to-par with their peers in their new locations.
1607.	11/5/2008 9:22:00 PM	In my two years living in Alaska, I'd say I've seen similar standards here as in the lower-48.
1608.	11/5/2008 11:15:00 PM	Absenteeism is a huge part of the failure rate in our schools. When a student shows up 25% of the time, how can an educator really be expected to prepare that individual in the same way? There needs to be some real power behind schools and enforcing attendance. Perhaps tying it to the PFD might prod some students along.
1609.	11/6/2008 12:00:00 AM	I believe that improvements can be made by educating parents how important it is that they children attend school regulary. I believe that the education of a student is often hurt by poor attendence more than anything else.
1610.	11/6/2008 12:17:00 AM	Having lived in many states, Alaska's educational system is behind. The courses are not as rigorous as they should be because basic skills are lacking; the proper foundation is not laid. Families who move into our area from the Lower 48 are frequently dismayed at the poor quality of the schools. The curriculums are not rigorous enough. Teaching in a high school here is challenging because students are not prepared when they arrive. Those students who struggle or are advanced do not do as well as they should. Please, please look at re-interpreting NCLB!! To expect a rural high school teacher to test in all the areas in which they are teaching- even with a Master's Degree in Education- is ridiculous. Had I stayed in my teaching position, I would have been expected to take no less that 5 Praxis Tests, one for each subject area I taught (despite having a BSED in social sciences- we do not teach social sciences, but history, government, geography, economics, etc.,). Get serious! Anyone interested in coming into this beautiful state to teach is now faced with ridiculous standards for teachers and low salaries. You will continue to see the least experienced teachers from the Lower 48 continue to come here (and then leave, taking their experience with them, when they get a better offer Outside).
1611.	11/6/2008 3:22:00 AM	Please keep this in mind. We are still on the same old model of classrooms that we've had historically : 1 teacher 1 classroom 25~30 students But social and family dynamics have CHANGED so drastically that teachers are having to police behavior for lack of student decorum and respect to authority, interfering with the ability to instruct and draining our teachers of energy and enthusiasm. Our teachers want to teach but they are constantly putting out "brushfires" that erupt between kids. Either we get very serious about lowering the class sizes to help curb some of this student conflict in ele. schools or we start funding so that every ele. classroom can have a fultime aide to help with the group instruction and group dynamics.
1612.	11/6/2008 4:26:00 AM	I think the State is on the right track, but has a long way to go. It needs to be a priority for our governor and our State leaders.
1613.	11/6/2008 6:21:00 AM	Some sections need a little help, but in all it is good.
1614.	11/6/2008 5:14:00 PM	Education in most of the bush is a joke. Most people know this, but no one seems to know what to do about it. As long as there are incentives for very small villages to skew data just keep a school open; education will not be a priority. If possible, the minimum enrollment for school funding needs to be higher than 10 students.
1615.	11/6/2008 5:38:00 PM	The teachers are our greatest resource, and should be supported to the fullest. The passion is there. They just need the tools to work with!
1616.	11/6/2008 6:31:00 PM	In my 20+ years in education, I have seen a steady decline in the quality of teachers, principals and superintendents in Rural Alaska. Do not get me wrong, there are still many caring, qualified, dynamic individuals out there. But there has been a decline. A few years ago, there was an initiative to improve the quality of all schools led by Roger Sampson, based on the Chugach Model. This model focused schools on data, instruction and student achievement and was beginning to show positive results. In many places, this iniative failed to do to lack of leadership--a good old boy network of administrators that looked at this as a fad and thwarted efforts at change in exchange for the comfort of status quo. Alaska needs to stop recycling superintendents and administrators and truly embrace and support a change model that focuses on data, instructional practices and critical interventions that support and develop our students. The excuse that the State does not provide enough money to do the job is a bogus one. Districts need to truly examine how they choose to spend those funds and place the focus where it needs to be--on the students. A few districts that truly embraced the change (Bering Straits, Mat-su) have become true leaders and models of success in our State. Others have half-heartedly made attempts or paid lip service Juneau, knowing very well that EED does not have the capacity to intervene. Alaska needs to support several initiatives: 1) fully funding early childhood education; 2) embrace, support and stick to a change model that had proven successes; 3) develop and support K-12 and post-secondary programs that bridge the gap between secondary and post-secondary education. This may be video delivered courses from the University to High Schools, increase summer bridging programs, increase vocational bridging programs; 4) expand and support the increased use of technology in education--follow best practices and mandate technology-based interventions that work.(This does NOT mean fund political action groups such as AASB to promote certain computer vendors to schools. It means increase support for your office of information technology at the state level. It means increase staff development to schools. It means enhance the teacher mentor program with technology teacher specialists who can travel, train and support teachers in their use of technology)
1617.	11/6/2008 6:52:00 PM	In spite of difficulties, children in our community seem to do well.
1618.	11/6/2008 7:30:00 PM	I think students, no matter what age, need to feel important and relevant. Humiliation tactics, rigid rules, and inflexible curriculum guidelines are all harmful to how students feel about themselves and learning in general. I feel ill prepared to help my student with higher math. Some resources would be helpful!
1619.	11/6/2008 9:09:00 PM	great for any family
1620.	11/7/2008 12:34:00 AM	Education in Alaska, as a whole, is done in a successful manner. With four children who've graduated from Alaska's high schools, and three from UAA, I'm pleased with their success. I have every confidence that the fourth child, who struggled in math throughout middle & high schools, will eventually come into his own.
1621.	11/7/2008 3:46:00 AM	When my older daughters graduated from Lathrop in 2003 and 2005 I felt they had very good preparation from the English Department for further education and the daughter who was in AP art had great training and direction to develop her skills.
1622.	11/7/2008 5:58:00 AM	It has been a fairly good experience for our family. The teachers seem to really care about what they are doing.
1623.	11/7/2008 6:29:00 AM	Well funded and supported!
1624.	11/7/2008 7:59:00 AM	Educating parents about how they can support their child in the schools is critical. Responsible parents value education highly and make it a high priority for their children.
1625.	11/7/2008 4:36:00 PM	Every child in Alaska is entitled to the very best education we can provide. Connectivity for internet is a barrier and we are at the mercy of the service providers. That tail should not wag this dog. Alaska teachers and school adminstrators need to know how to assist students who utilize online learning. Many of our Alaska Native students are tactile learners and sitting in front of a computer without support and interaction is ineffective. Technology is important as it provides access, but it does not release educators from teaching.
1626.	11/7/2008 5:03:00 PM	Over the years, education has been such that the teacher is more than just a teacher; he/she is like a parent who, at times, provides the students with whatever is missing at home. Despite the good intentions of the teacher to provide some brightness in the student's life, he/she is blamed for all that goes wrong with the students under his/her care. I understand that there are instances where the teacher is art fault, but it seems like the teachers are not really getting much support in providing the best learning environment for his/her students because we live in a society of lawsuits.
1627.	11/7/2008 5:05:00 PM	Alot of emphisis is placed on "teacher performance" and less on "administrator performance". In the nineteen years that I have been in education, I have seen some good administrators and some very poor admistrators. There needs to be more training for admistrators.
1628.	11/7/2008 5:31:00 PM	I think that the superintendent of Anchorage School District is doing an amazing job at ensuring that students are learning and improving and teachers are well informed.
1629.	11/7/2008 6:58:00 PM	needs more funding and copetent people to help run it
1630.	11/7/2008 7:42:00 PM	Alaska offers a broad range of opportunities and the necessity to be creative in the way we offer education and what we see as education. I believe that we need to remain true to who we are as Alaskans and not succumb to letting the Federal Gov't mandate when, where and how we teach our children. We also need to be very careful that in a time when good teachers are hard to find that we don't just hire anyone to fill a spot (knowing that we can't undo things easily). Value teachers and understand the full impact their influence has.
1631.	11/7/2008 9:17:00 PM	The community needs more roles in the school for students to see that they are part of the education system
1632.	11/7/2008 9:30:00 PM	A quality classroom is one where every child's voice is heard. Class size is crucial to making this happen.
1633.	11/7/2008 10:25:00 PM	Right now I am very disappointed. There is no social/emotional education program for all children in the schools.
1634.	11/7/2008 11:13:00 PM	That the Elementary, Middle Schools, High Schools and Charter School teachers do a fabulous job training our students to look forward to their future. Most of the teachers go out of their way to train, educate and be part of that students life until they graduate.
1635.	11/7/2008 11:39:00 PM	We need to better educate Alaskans on why education is an important role for Alaska's future.
1636.	11/8/2008 12:28:00 AM	I am proud that we are trying to come up with answers to some very difficult questions dealing with students, family and how the community can be a part of the answer.
1637.	11/8/2008 9:58:00 AM	Do not get rid of "NO CHILD LET BEHIND" it works and I have used it myself. Every student and parent deserves to right for better education. The children are our future and how can we expect them to reach their full potential if they can't reach it. Positive and fair treatment for ALL Children no matter race or family income level.
1638.	11/9/2008 2:21:00 AM	Once Alaska was a leader in academic excellance providing a venue for students to acquire knowledge. Today it seems that there is a lack of focus on education in the traditional sense. Perhaps setting and meeting standards would stop the steady decline in measured knowledge that we are experiencing.
1639.	11/9/2008 3:46:00 AM	I wish education was funded strongly enough to be world class now. I would hate to have to move to find something better.
1640.	11/9/2008 5:01:00 AM	If we want to upgrade our students, we should teach at least 1/2 of each day in English starting in kindergarten. Tell the parents they need to stay home and take care of their children instead of drinking and playing bingo and letting the children take care of themselves. Turn off the TV!
1641.	11/9/2008 5:12:00 AM	To try to ask all students - and teachers, and districts - to meet the same, exact, specific, content-driven goals is unrealistic and silly. Look at the reality of the place, the reality of the situations. Make an educational plan for the entire state, as I see you are doing, but before you do, UNDERSTAND all the parts of the state, all the hugely different situations, all the hugely different cultures and things that are valued. The plan has to encompass them all.
1642.	11/9/2008 8:21:00 AM	rural students need a lot of help
1643.	11/10/2008 6:35:00 AM	Funding doesn't fix it all. But be real about it. We have huge expenses in rural Alaska and it affects what and how things are funded. Fund for smaller classes and let the kids learn the basics. Think about it. How do you learn best? With 10 people 20 people 30 people in the room. How would you teach best? Look at our reports how would you MAKE 10, 20, 30 people learn when you figure in FAS/FAE, ADD/ADHD (or related that can't stay on task), the kids who don't want to be there, parents were drinking, playing cards, or fighting last night, the ones who didn't eat last night, bath, get a hug (or any positive attention). Don't forget the ones who get to do anything they please because of their home life and wont follow rules at school, or victims of_________.
1644.	11/10/2008 4:31:00 PM	The states support of education has slowly deteriorated over the last 10-15 years. Recently, I have seen improvements - but we have a long way to go.
1645.	11/10/2008 5:27:00 PM	Make eduction more relevant to our communities.
1646.	11/10/2008 6:28:00 PM	Putting more money in to education is not the only answer. In order to raise the bar for minimum standards I am afraid we may have lowered the bar for students who excel. I would like the bar raised for all students allowing each individually to reach their maximum potential.
1647.	11/10/2008 6:43:00 PM	The teachers are trying thier hardest but the system needs to be fixed.
1648.	11/10/2008 6:50:00 PM	WE HAVE LOTS OF SUPPORT FROM OUR DISTRICT.
1649.	11/10/2008 6:54:00 PM	Stabilizing school funding to support long range program planning
1650.	11/10/2008 8:12:00 PM	Alaska is doing well in being innovative and progressive in curriculum and standards. Our standards are being addressed through quality teaching in our classrooms. It's good to see that Alaska is aware of what is happening on a national level and in other states, but maintains its usual careful approach of not adopting everything that states like Texas and California have. We need to adjust our educational goals to our students, not an agenda elsewhere. Alaska remains strong because of its inherent independence.
1651.	11/10/2008 8:43:00 PM	There are pockets of excellence in this state, but a lack of resources and coordination make it difficult to even know they exist.
1652.	11/10/2008 8:46:00 PM	I believe teachers/administrators are averse to dealing with confrontation. A student is tracked by the teacher from the beginning of a period of time to the end. The student starts out doing stellar work but by the end they fall off. The parent sees a quarterly report (a 3 month worth of effort) that shows the fall. The parent goes to the parent/teacher conferences to receive a report from the teacher that is very nonspecific, when the situation requires specifics. Why is there such a significant time delay between charted problem and action? Most parents and teachers have the same goal but teachers are paid to insure the student learns and should not hesitate call a conference with parents to discuss potential course of action for change.
1653.	11/10/2008 8:55:00 PM	I am very proud of our state and my own district.
1654.	11/10/2008 8:59:00 PM	I have worked in rural AK (11 years) and urban AK (9+ yrs). There is a HUGE difference in parent support, funding, expectations, behaviors, and quality of teachers/admins.
1655.	11/10/2008 9:01:00 PM	Funding needs to improve so we can fix our aging buildings or build new schools. Teachers are also falling behind financially due to rising insurance costs and stagnant salaries.
1656.	11/10/2008 9:17:00 PM	Identifying why we CAN'T need only be relevent in identifying how we must work together to make it how we CAN.
1657.	11/10/2008 11:38:00 PM	There are countless hard working educators in this State that have the best interest of kids at heart!
1658.	11/11/2008 12:10:00 AM	All of my children received a good education in Alaska. My son, through my diligence, awareness and support would have received a shorter end of the stick had I not been totally involved in his receiving a fair education. He was a Special Education student, services had been discontinued because Special Education staff had dropped the ball. Had I not been on top of this, he would not received certain services. My son also had a teacher in middle school who constantly picked on him and singled him out and others. She was devious and prejudice. Had I not paid particular attention to this teacher, I fear that my son would have had pent up anger and I fear what may have occurred had I not constantly discussed with him how unfair some people can be. I say this to say that education in Alaska is good, but could be great. We need teachers who think and care about everyone, not just themselves or people who look just like them. We need change in education in this area.
1659.	11/11/2008 12:15:00 AM	Have this kind of gathering on a regular basis in conjunction with school boards and other related entities.
1660.	11/11/2008 2:35:00 AM	We need to be doing what's right for kids, not just complying with federal mandates that don't fit in Alaska.
1661.	11/11/2008 3:35:00 AM	This state depends on educated citizens. Its a complex world; we need to invest in higher education incentives to encourage our graduates to return to Alaska and work to improve their communities.
1662.	11/11/2008 4:18:00 AM	There is still a big achievement gap among non-whites and rural vs. urban schools. Something more needs to be done to close the gap.
1663.	11/11/2008 4:44:00 AM	Great place to learn and grow.
1664.	11/11/2008 4:50:00 AM	Rural education in our villages presents problems that are probably found nowhere else on earth. We must throw as much energy and effort as possible into studying the psychology of these situations and coming up with unique solutions. None of our tried and true "traditional" methods fit.
1665.	11/11/2008 4:57:00 AM	Alaskan education is incredible if we can motivate students to take advantage of the many opportunities available. As a fully Alaskan educated student (elementary, secondary, undergraduate, graduate, and professional) I know that my education provided everything that I needed in a unique and vibrant way. Each time that I needed something different, I was able to make it happen through the wonderful flexibility of our institutions. Our small size and low PTR has enabled me to dig deeply into topics and really engage in my own learning. I plan to send my children to Alaskan Universities so they too have the opportunities that I had.
1666.	11/11/2008 5:01:00 AM	Our GLE expectations are about a year behind National Standards.
1667.	11/11/2008 11:16:00 AM	In my business I have seen many functionally illiterate students who can't communicate, do simple math or follow instructions. I don't blame the kids, it is parents and schools
1668.	11/11/2008 3:47:00 PM	I think educators are doing the best they can and I throw the ball back in the parents' court. The biggest challenge I see is parents not supporting their children in the right way. Many students are consistently unprepared (homework, supplies), tired (up all night on computers or playing video games, energy drinks) and have no respect for themselves or adults. We spend so much time with discipline and working on social skills that instruction time is taken away. We are educators, not babysitters. >:\| Parents need to step it up!
1669.	11/11/2008 3:54:00 PM	We need more Alaska Native teachers to work in rural Alaska with Native students. Who is better? Kids in rural Alaska need to meet the same rigorous standards as kids in urban areas so when they move they are not behind.
1670.	11/11/2008 4:19:00 PM	Every child has the ability to succeed in school at their own learning pace and with positive parental involvement.
1671.	11/11/2008 4:29:00 PM	We need to be cognizant of the special needs and special situations that both urban and rural Alaskans face and tailor the educational system to their needs.
1672.	11/11/2008 5:09:00 PM	Alaskan education has many strengths. Yet there still exists a need for reform. Standards reform. Curriculum reform. post-secondary opportunity reform.
1673.	11/11/2008 5:36:00 PM	The funding for schools needs to increase, which is no surprise to you. Underfunded and understaffed schools reinforce misconceptions that the students aren't important and that what they are learning isn't important either. Funding for teachers to remain in a school for more than one year to allow relationships with students and families to have a positive impact for more that one school year. Maintaining high standards for teachers without making licensure so cumbersome that people go back to the lower 48 because they don't want to mess with the licensure requirements here. I know several good teachers to leave because getting their HQ status took months and was horribly frustrating for them even when they came in from another state as HQ. That's a problem. I believe it's imperative that the State Dept. of Education focuses on Alaska Native traditional ways of educating and better meshing western standards to traditional ways of teaching. This would help our Native students feel better about themselves and possibly encourage greater family involvement, which provides parent resources for the schools.
1674.	11/11/2008 5:57:00 PM	It's all about attitude and I think we should change teacher and administration's attitude from one of feeling persecuted to one of thankfulness for all the funding and support provided by taxpayers. It takes leadership and good management to do this. A simple "thank you" or reward for a job well done would go much further with teachers than rewarding teachers on a scale based solely on years served. We are allowing our poor teachers to continue in the system.
1675.	11/11/2008 6:22:00 PM	Since the disappearance of vocational type classes in rural schools, students have increasingly become disconnected with the need for schooling.
1676.	11/11/2008 6:27:00 PM	That it lacks everything when it comes to rural village schools.
1677.	11/11/2008 7:12:00 PM	Our students are the future of Alaska, and we all need to work on reaching them. We need to be honest with what the future holds, and how their educational career is a pre-cursor to the rest of their life. I hope that AK can set up some programs to make sure all students are getting the best possible education, no matter what region they are in.
1678.	11/11/2008 7:15:00 PM	I hope that the school districts can be sensitive to their own hiring. I do no feel that their process is inviting or helpful to their own Alaskan grown educators.
1679.	11/11/2008 7:25:00 PM	It is highly diverse with many unique challenges.
1680.	11/11/2008 7:28:00 PM	Too much focus is places on the success of the testing. It seems that less focus is spent on the success of the individual. We need to be flexible and promote each individuals assets and assist them with their learning weaknesses.
1681.	11/11/2008 7:50:00 PM	I am concerned about how students behavior is changing in regards to value of education. Drop out rate is too high. Schools are not meeting the needs of each student. There is too much teaching to the State mandated tests. Schools may not be "fun place to learn" anymore. Teacher turn over is another concern. Teachers not understanding background knowledge and what factors affect the student learning.
1682.	11/11/2008 9:32:00 PM	This page gives you opportunity to express what would improve the numbers of graduating seniors. 9. Which three of the following would most improve the high school graduation rate in Alaska? Which three of the following would most improve the high school graduation rate in Alaska? Early childhood education programs Career and technical education programs Traditional vocational education programs and classes Career and technical educational programs strongly tied to academic programs Apprenticeship programs in K-12 schools Rigorous academic programs based on world class standards for all students Post-secondary education scholarship programs School choice Drug, alcohol, and tobacco prevention programs for students Violence prevention programs Programs to impact teacher quality Virtual Schools Boarding schools and educational opportunities School partnerships with community agencies and business Parental support and education programs Post-secondary scholarship programs for all K-12 graduates Other (please specify)
1683.	11/11/2008 9:50:00 PM	We are definitely headed in the right direction with the appointment of a visionary commissioner.
1684.	11/11/2008 10:47:00 PM	Doing great
1685.	11/11/2008 10:52:00 PM	We are still ahead of most other states in regard to hiring professionals. We take education very serious. Incorporate Health into the curriculum.
1686.	11/11/2008 11:11:00 PM	we have a long long way to go. we have the one of the highest drop out rates and some of the lowest scores...what more can i say?
1687.	11/11/2008 11:49:00 PM	Fix the TRS system to encourage good teachers to enter into the profession and the best to say in Alaska.
1688.	11/11/2008 11:50:00 PM	I believe that rural Alaska needs assistance in recruiting and retaining teachers. Instead of districts recruiting outside the State for teachers that have never lived in Alaska, I believe that the State should offer an college loan forgiveness to individuals who teach in rural Alaska. Example: It could be offered on a sliding scale, 1 & 2 years teaching in rural Alaska = 10% forgiveness for each year; 3 & 4 years = 15% forgiveness for year 3 & 4; 5 year = 20% forgiveness. This would provide Alaskans with a way to pay for college and rural districts with an avenue to recruit teachers.
1689.	11/11/2008 11:50:00 PM	Alternative schools need continued and increased funding.
1690.	11/11/2008 11:52:00 PM	Need to retain more teachers
1691.	11/11/2008 11:52:00 PM	More funding is needed for alternative schools and health programs.
1692.	11/11/2008 11:53:00 PM	We need to value the children and young adults of our state and put money into our system.
1693.	11/11/2008 11:55:00 PM	We need to have more options for kids who do fit into the main stream high schools. A fine arts school would be an excellent example.
1694.	11/12/2008 12:02:00 AM	As a teacher that has taught in the largest city in the state for the past 18 years it has become obvious that the quality AND numbers of teachers we are attracting to our state has been diminished due to the stagnation of wages (effected by medical insurance and pay freezes in the 1990's) and the recent change in retirement. During this time teacher certification requirements have increased.
1695.	11/12/2008 12:05:00 AM	My children will be attending Alaska schools for the next ten years and I want their experience to be as great as mine was (more than 20 years ago). I'm 42 in my 18th year of teaching and I'm the second youngest teacher in my building. There will probably be a huge wave of retirements in the next decade and I want Alaska to continue to attract the best and brightest teachers for our classrooms.
1696.	11/12/2008 12:09:00 AM	Check out the project grad model being utilized in kpbsd.
1697.	11/12/2008 12:19:00 AM	School districts are overloaded and there is too much to do in such a short amount of time. While urban and rural have different needs and structures, all schools need to allocate time for structured collaboration and more staff development opportunities. There should be an attempt to raise the amount of student contact hours and days. Encourage districts to more to a longer schedule, extend the school year.
1698.	11/12/2008 3:11:00 AM	I believe there is room to improve on providing each student individualized support and education based on specifically each child's learning level.
1699.	11/12/2008 5:53:00 AM	It would be beneficial to have some vocational programs at the high schools. NOt all student are bound to 4 yer college programs although most should participate in some type of post high school ed. The majority of high schools focus is on those student looking into 4 year programs.
1700.	11/12/2008 9:43:00 AM	Need more financial support for grass-roots programs to prepare people from Alaska to become teachers for kids in Alaska
1701.	11/12/2008 4:19:00 PM	We need to continually grow and change. We need to challenge ourselves to accept the changing needs of our students. We need to address technology, as it is what will be a major driving force behind what the needs of our students will be in the workforce.
1702.	11/12/2008 5:35:00 PM	Some of the Anchorage School District programs are eating up a lot of money and only servicing a small portion of the population. Money spent is not equitable throughout the state.
1703.	11/12/2008 6:41:00 PM	Great but student's options statewide are limited
1704.	11/12/2008 7:05:00 PM	We are responsible for opening the minds of our students, not just teach to a test. Opportunities are lost when we stifle the creativity of teachers and some of the programs that they create. Standards can still be met with help and support of innovative programs.
1705.	11/12/2008 7:18:00 PM	Every student should have the same opportunities as those who are better off financially, to fully succeed in their grade level.
1706.	11/12/2008 7:21:00 PM	I would like to see the teachers in the class more often than subs. I appreciate having music and PE.
1707.	11/12/2008 8:31:00 PM	There are so many cultures in Alaska in which post-secondary education is viewed as beyond reach. I think our state desperately needs more programs like Project GRAD that offer incentive scholarships, community awareness building, professional development coaches for teachers in programs that are researched-based to increase rigor and insure success at post-secondary levels. So often Alaska students fall short of fulfilling their potential because they do not have the confidence and the systematic support for setting goals and reaching them. Any of these interventions should be implemented with sensitivity and respect for the local culture. Students and families also need supportive programs outside the school day to encourage self-advocacy and vision development for healthy integration of the best of their heritage with educational and economic opportunities of the 21st century.
1708.	11/12/2008 8:57:00 PM	disconnected from community systems, not welcoming to community participation
1709.	11/12/2008 10:04:00 PM	Overall I feel it is good, with exception of those students who need extra help and do not qualify for special education services.
1710.	11/12/2008 11:11:00 PM	I'm largely pleased with it! I just think we could always use more money, as I know there are many overworked teachers, librarians and other staff, who are getting burned out. They need aides, or some other form of support (in addition to us parent volunteers).
1711.	11/13/2008 12:16:00 AM	Education in general has changed over the years. Education in Alaska needs to change with it - and to do so appropriately, we need to have adequate funding and a clear idea of expectations and the paths necessary to meet and exceed those expectations.
1712.	11/13/2008 12:48:00 AM	Keep up the good work!
1713.	11/13/2008 1:22:00 AM	This can be changed for the positive with alot of hard work from many different sectors of the state
1714.	11/13/2008 4:33:00 AM	I think Alaska has a solid foundation in locally administrated schools. I think that is key to quality and success. However, I see that foundation being eroded with the allowance of statewide correspondence schools to solicit and enroll out of district students. I believe students shoul enroll in the their own district's correspondence program and absent one, then be allowed to enroll in a statewide. Right now, with the system existing as it does with free enrollment of anyone, there are districts using the statewide correspondence schools as money makers for their districts while financial and academic standards are lowered.
1715.	11/13/2008 6:08:00 AM	Dump "No Child Left Behind" It is an insult to the educational experiences of every teacher and student in this country. Bush and cronies are no longer in power. They no longer should reap the economic benefits of this system. Stand up for the children and invest your energies in truly addressing our children's potential for engaging in authentic educational opportunities. We need thinkers and creators. It's your job to provide this.
1716.	11/13/2008 7:00:00 AM	Make sure teachers have the time to teach the "core curriculum" that creates educated citizens and life long learners (I mean reading, writing skills, math skills, social studies and sciences) and really limit special interest mandates for good but extra learning outcomes. These things can be presented in summer community programs instead of taking up valuable classroom time. Thanks.
1717.	11/13/2008 8:20:00 AM	its hard for kids to learn, and trust when their teachers are always news. Community and parents need to stop pointing the fingers at schools saying its the school's problem, kids aren't learning. We all have a responsiblity. Parents and community need to better support education, via high expectations and support for all kids.
1718.	11/13/2008 6:52:00 PM	The Anchorage School District should be the model for C&TE that other schools benchmark. C&TE in the Anchorage School District could do a better job engaging a wider population of students instead of being a dumping ground for "underachievers".
1719.	11/13/2008 7:14:00 PM	See above.
1720.	11/14/2008 8:42:00 AM	We can't be parochial - we need to be competitive with the best and we need to give our kids experiences both inside and outside Alaska. We need to encourage great enducation, not just things that are easy to test or federal requirements.
1721.	11/14/2008 4:21:00 PM	To many crowded schools.
1722.	11/15/2008 4:32:00 AM	it is very important, now days, cause you can't to anything without at paper, when we finish school
1723.	11/15/2008 12:17:00 PM	-The process to receive funding for a new school is too long. The one percent funding for the arts that has to be funded on newly constructed schools is a waste of money. The money that is required for the 1% should go to schools that are outdated and older. The inequity across the state and across districts put some schools at a disadvantage when it comes to adequate facilities.
1724.	11/16/2008 4:26:00 PM	Personally. I have stronge concerns for the children of our state and of the high drop out rates. I have seen other schools in the lower 48 and it appalles me to see how Alaskans talk about improving but never really step up to acually meet student needs. Here, locally they even cut the breakfast program. We should all be ashamed of that.
1725.	11/16/2008 7:03:00 PM	Education in Alaska is good. It is not great. Location and parental income should not be such huge determiners of high quality educational opportunities.
1726.	11/17/2008 3:58:00 PM	Uaf, is a joke. I had substituded for one week. The public schools in Alaska are garbage!! Send the children out of state to real schools.
1727.	11/17/2008 8:39:00 PM	it is very well
1728.	11/18/2008 12:18:00 AM	AWSOME EDUCATION SYSTEM!!!!!!!!!!!
1729.	11/18/2008 4:59:00 AM	In order to attract and retain quality professionals, they need to be treated as such. Students are being "lost" at the middle school and high school levels. We need more assets in their lives, especially when kids at big schools are just another number. Standardized testing only gives one glance at the proficiency of a student and their teacher. We need the resources and freedom to individualize and teach the child, not the program.
1730.	11/18/2008 8:51:00 PM	Art, music, and vocational areas are not taught in the Bush because of the lack of decent funding. Funding for an intensive itinerant program in these areas is needed.
1731.	11/19/2008 6:29:00 PM	It has been a very fulfilling job and good source of income and livelihood for me and my family. It isn't nearly as attractive anymore for my children or any young person looking at the profession...poor retirement benefits, difficult standards and unrealistic NCLB expectations, less parent support, and difficult discipline issues are a few of the challenges that make young people look to other professions.
1732.	11/19/2008 6:35:00 PM	We're doing a good job and we need to point out our successes instead of always complaining about schools doing a bad job.
1733.	11/19/2008 8:03:00 PM	It needs publicly supported preschool!
1734.	11/20/2008 4:13:00 AM	Education in Alaska will continue to improve as long as we all, students, parents, educators, and community members, continue to ask the difficult questions. Though our goals feel so distant, our collective effort says so much about our state and the schools that will someday be our reality.
1735.	11/20/2008 4:15:00 AM	I believe the benchmark tests are set at a ridiculously low level to make it appear that students are more successful than they truly are. Even those students who do graduate are unprepared for college, technical school, or the working world. Students need to be required to memorize copious amounts of material, read classical literature, not just whatever appeals to them, and be required to research both sides of current issues without bias from their teachers in order to become intelligent citizens.
1736.	11/20/2008 12:04:00 PM	Students need hope for their future in Alaska.
1737.	11/21/2008 3:14:00 AM	The teachers are on the front line and deserve better pay and living conditions.
1738.	11/21/2008 5:41:00 PM	Get rid of No Child Left Behind. It doesn't work in Alaska.
1739.	11/21/2008 5:45:00 PM	The urban schools are great.
1740.	11/21/2008 5:55:00 PM	Smaller communities are a great resource. Over the years, resources have been strong but inconsistent.