Christina Hartman, Bear Lake: Aside from the fact that the online courses Luna is proposing we offer are currently being failed by 75 percent of the students in our district who take them, they will never be able to determine a student’s individual needs as effectively as a highly trained and motivated classroom teacher. Luna plan is extreme, would harm students. Look at more flash drives and eBooks, not laptops. I am asking you, not to replace teachers like me- who console students when they cry and who rejoice with them in that moment when we see in their eyes that they FINALLY get it- with a laptop.
Margaret Castle, Emmett: I'm a teacher but I am here with my daughter, who graduated in 2009 and is now in the military. She is a success because she had teachers who cared about her and helped her along. She tried online classes, but didn't like them; found she could get the help she needed in small, face-to-face classes. She'd tell you she would've failed if Luna plan had been in place.
LaVon Dresen, Emmett: I'm a conservative, an educator, and a parent. Larger class sizes do hurt children. As a third-grade teacher, she asked her 8- and 9-year olds about adding up to five more kids to class of 26. “It depends,” one little boy said. “Are they all well-behaved?” Others asked: Where will we all sit? Will you be able to answer all our questions? Also said that technology is a tool and does not guarantee success. Smal districts like Emmett can't pass levy. Her school is closing after this year.
Brenda Dunstan, Kuna: Said that as the wife of a builder, we know tough times, and that's why I've returned to teaching. She doesn't feel any job security, thnks kids need positive social interactions that wil be harmed by larger classes and more technology. What are we saying in tough times by putting more gadgets in kids' hands and putting people out of work? Has yet to hear a valedictorian thank their computer, cell phone, or Facebook page. Asked the lawmakers: What wil you tell teachers and students this year with your choices: Go on, or go out on your own?
