Views on Education and Budget Information within CMS

I have been reading the updates regarding CMS and its budget cuts/information, increased test scores, statistics on grade level reading, and added Achievement Zone school(s). The Charlotte Observer and its contributors have truly delved into this school and economic situation, yet I am excited about the increased test scores throughout the district. This news along with the teachers and students should be celebrated. Whatever efforts that were put in place last school term to heighten these strides actually worked.

However, room for growth is also acknowledged. Kathy Ridge, executive director of the nonproft Mecklenburg Citizens for Public Education, hit a cord with me when she stated that only 55 percent of CMS third graders can read at grade level. This alarming information coupled with the Achieve Together data clearly indicates that it is important for our young children to read and understand the elements of reading so that drop-outs and incarceration are reduced. Despite the budget crisis, I hope that measures are taken to improve this effort for the upcoming school term.

Let's keep "being prepared" in the fore front of a child's development.