Persuasive Essay

Persuasive Essay
Amina Richey
University of Phoenix
In the summer of 2009, Governor Sonny Perdue issued a statement that teachers in the state of Georgia would be furloughed in the 2009-2010 academic school year. He insisted, ” These steps are necessary and prudent to make sure we keep our commitment to Georgia taxpayers and allow us to give the most services to our citizens through the money we're able to obtain."(Sheinin 2009). It goes without saying that this news was a striking blow to educators and parents alike. Questions were raised about benefits, school staffing and classroom sizes. Of equal importance, teachers worried about their health benefits and workers compensation. Likewise, tenured educators scrutinized their retirement plans and their salary steps. The local school board’s decision to furlough teaching in the state of Georgia will have an adverse affect on both teachers and students.
Not only are teachers suffering from the furloughs in the state of Georgia, but students are undoubtedly affected by budget cuts. The students are subjected to higher student teacher ratios. On the same note, paraprofessionals are being eliminated at an unprecedented rate. Most school districts don't even have parapros in first-grade classes (Huie 2009). This could prove to be damaging for students in inclusive learning environments .Thus, schools who utilize the inclusion model run the risk of having students with modifications not having their needs met.
In addition, parents are equally affected by the teaching furlough in the state of Georgia. I am personally affected by this issue. Hence, as the parent of a first grader who has been diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder), I am apprehensive about the possibility of her not having a paraprofessional in the classroom to modify instruction for her. As both a parent and future educator, it is imperative for me to know that my child has the opportunity and the instruction... [continues]

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