Recently, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo gave his State of the State address, and there are many aspects of it that I would like to discuss over the coming weeks. The issues include tax relief, economic development and many others, but this week I would like to discuss education. There are exciting opportunities developing here […]
Recently, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo gave his State of the State address, and there are many aspects of it that I would like to discuss over the coming weeks. The issues include tax relief, economic development and many others, but this week I would like to discuss education.
There are exciting opportunities developing here in our region, particularly in the Mohawk Valley. The nano- and high-tech industries are growing in our state, and Central New York is one of the hubs. But in order to be prepared for these new opportunities, we need to ensure that our children develop the skills to secure the jobs currently being created.
The governor said “the best long-term economic development strategy is to have the best education system in the world…,” and I agree. Easily accessible public education that gives students the skills and training to succeed in the job market is critical. Time and time again, public education has proven itself to be the way out of poverty.
Expanded opportunities to study the sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are critical to ensuring that the tech-boom is being fed by a pool of talented young workers. The governor emphasized the need to get technology such as laptops, tablets, and broadband in our schools. He has proposed offering a referendum to voters to approve a $2 billion initiative to help struggling schools acquire tools to prepare our children for the emerging technological economy.
I would also like to encourage the expansion of trade curriculum in our BOCES system. The rapid growth of high-tech jobs requires a steady source of workers with traditional trade skills like machining, welding, electrical, and others. The opportunities are great, but our students must have the knowledge and skills to make them marketable in this changing economy.
I am on board with preparing students for these new opportunities, but we cannot forget that a real conversation must take place about the Common Core standards imposed on our children. Parents, students, educators, and administrators are concerned that Common Core, instead of helping our kids, is in fact stifling their educational progress.
While student performance metrics are designed to measure performance, the reality is that each child is different, and forcing them to fit into a mold isn’t helping anyone. Each student is imbued with unique and extraordinary talents, and it is our responsibility to help them harness and finesse those skills so that they can be successful.
Marc W. Butler (R,C,I–Newport) is a New York State Assemblyman for the 118th District, which encompasses parts of Oneida, Herkimer, and St. Lawrence counties, as well as all of Hamilton and Fulton counties. Contact him at butlerm@assembly.state.ny.us