Comments on: May 5 School Board Elections

By: Tamara Real

Tamara Real — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 22:14:39 +0000

Numerous studies have shown that children who have access to the arts as part of their educational experience enjoy greater academic success in school and higher earning potential later in life. Funding constraints and requirements imposed by No Child Left Behind have prompted some school boards, however, to eliminate arts education from the curriculum. What is your position on the role of the arts in K-12 education and if elected, will you support continuing access to arts education in our schools.

By: Steve Borgsdorf

Steve Borgsdorf — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 18:23:36 +0000

What business and financial skills do you have to help you understand and manage the AAPS budget and funding structure? Are you able to read a financial statement?

By: ChrisW

ChrisW — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 02:38:16 +0000

How do you retain good teachers and get rid of or improve mediocre ones?

Specifically how can we handle upcoming budget problems? Are higher taxes the only way?

Why should or shouldn’t teachers be publicly rated — by students, parents, their peers, test scores, and principals?

Do you think “Everyday Mathematics” is a good system?

Explain your thoughts comparing academically rigorous classes vs. more enjoyable, less strenuous ones. Which is better in the long term?

Should a child with no math aptitude but a love of books be allowed to take more English/reading classes and fewer math ones at the high school level?

Is it necessary to teach calculus and geometry to all children?

What kind of computer/internet classes should we be teaching that we’re not teaching now? Other subjects you would like to see taught?

How can we take better advantage of having The University of Michigan in town?

By: Ruth

Ruth — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 02:17:51 +0000

Here were my questions: link

By: Erica Melnykowycz

Erica Melnykowycz — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 02:15:46 +0000

1. Do you believe the kindergarten curriculum is developmentally appropriate?

2. Do you support universal preschool?

3. How would you work to alleviate the achievement gap?

4. Please explain why AAPS needs an equity team.

5. What are ways to ensure that special needs students are fully included within the schools they attend?

I second the questions about homework and additional alternative schools.

(Thanks, Chronicle! This was a thought-provoking exercise for me.)

By: Julie Roth

Julie Roth — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:11:01 +0000

1) I agree with the last poster.... We lose many kids from the AAPS who we could keep by offering more alternatives such as Ann Arbor Open. These families often choose charters and private schools if they do not get in, or if the location is too inconvenient. Would you consider an "Ann Arbor Open East" to meet demand? 2) What are your thoughts on this video: link to video ? 3) I second a previous poster re: what are your thoughts on Alfie Kohns The Homework Myth?

By: Linda Diane Feldt

Linda Diane Feldt — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 21:19:29 +0000

There is far greater demand for public alternative education than there are spots for kids. What can we do to offer more choices for parents and students? Do you support the programs at Ann Arbor Open and Community High school? Are you aware of Community’s programs for non-CHS students? Do you have a plan or position on providing additional support to Roberto Clemente students?

By: Matt Hampel

Matt Hampel — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:30:35 +0000

Two generic questions on openness:
1) How will you develop relationships with the new media institutions developing in Ann Arbor?
2) How will you use new technology, such as email lists, weblogs, and the School Board website to provide more detailed information about the AAPS?

By: Steve Bean

Steve Bean — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:58:56 +0000

Questions for candidates: 1) What are your thoughts about the book, The Homework Myth, by Alfie Kohn, and its implications for our schools? 2) Similarly, what are your thoughts about this video? link to video