The Perspective of a Math student

 

Setting: A school board meeting. At a podium stands MS. DAVIS, a concerned senior and math student. Seated at the table is MR. THOMPSON, a board member.

Ms. Davis: Thank you, Ms. Chairperson. I'm here today to speak about the proposed budget cuts, specifically the ones affecting teachers and college prep classes.

Mr. Thompson: Ms. Davis, we appreciate your concern. The board is facing difficult financial realities, and reducing staff is a tough but necessary decision.

Ms. Davis: I understand the need for financial responsibility, Mr. Thompson. But cutting teachers means larger class sizes. How can we get the individual attention we need, especially in challenging subjects like math, with fewer teachers?

Mr. Thompson: We have to explore innovative teaching methods. Perhaps online resources or combining classes could be solutions.

Ms. Davis: Mr. Thompson, with all due respect, online resources can't replace a dedicated teacher who can answer questions in real-time, who knows our strengths and weaknesses. Combining classes just dilutes the learning experience.

Mr. Thompson: We also have to consider the needs of the entire student body. Not everyone is college-bound. We need to offer more vocational training.

Ms. Davis: Absolutely! But shouldn't we be able to offer both? Cutting college prep classes limits options for students like me who dream of going to university. These classes are crucial for standardized tests and college applications.

Mr. Thompson: Ms. Davis, there are ways to prepare for college tests outside of school. We can't afford to prioritize a select few over the needs of the majority.

Ms. Davis: But a strong college prep program benefits everyone, Mr. Thompson. It raises the overall academic performance of the school. Studies show that strong math programs even improve critical thinking skills used in all fields.

Mr. Thompson: The board is committed to finding solutions. We'll explore alternative funding options and consider all perspectives before making a final decision.

Ms. Davis: Thank you, Mr. Thompson. I urge you to consider the long-term impact these cuts will have on student success and the future of this school.

Ms. Chairperson: Thank you, Ms. Davis, for your valuable input. We will take your concerns into account during our deliberations.