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Thank an educator during American Education Week

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Star Herald Editorial

As we celebrate American Education Week (Nov. 18-22), let’s thank those in public education who are dedicated to educating our children.
While the week provides an opportunity for public schools to thank residents for their support and resources to help the institutions reach their education goals, the week is also for schools to tout their own accomplishments.
At Hills-Beaver Creek, the district is celebrating their recent designation by the U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School.
The honor recognizes schools across the country for their student achievement in the state comprehensive assessment tests.
In an interview about the honor (see page 1), H-BC Superintendent Todd Holthaus pointed out while the district’s elementary school received recognition, the plaque the school received is a testimony to the strong emphasis on education locally.
“I believe that all elementary schools in the area strive to meet the needs of all of their students using the resources provided. H-BC Elementary is fortunate enough to have great students, great staff, great parents like all our area schools.”
As Superintendent Holthaus suggested, we are all in education together.
Each one of us can point to one or more teachers who have made an impact in our lives.
We don’t remember test scores because we know it is educators who make a difference in students’ lives.
When American Education Week started in 1921, one-fourth of the World War I draftees were illiterate, unable to read or write.
Concerned over the public’s lack of enthusiasm for public education, the American Legion and the National Education Association sought ways to generate support for public education.
American Education Week was born, and what has occurred in the 98 years since its inception has been nothing short of amazing.
Illiteracy rates have dropped considerably.
That’s good news for everyone, but it has taken a lot of work and community support to place an emphasis on learning and creating the “World’s Best Workforce.”
Students are mastering the basics at a younger age, and as they reach high school they are able to take advantage of more challenging classes, some even for college credit.
Each school district recently included on their website reports outlining yearly goals for pre-kindergarten through high school students.
The reports are titled “World’s Best Workforce” and outline specific goals and benchmarks, and they also report if our students met those goals and benchmarks over the past year. The reports focus on the reason why we have schools — for learning and for succeeding out in the workforce.
Thanks to our local educators for leading the charge to improve academics into the next millennium. That was the thought in 1921 when American Education Week began, and it’s still pertinent today.
Take a moment during American Education Week and appreciate what our educators do in our communities and for our children.

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