After President Barack Obama emphasized improving public education in his State of the Union address, local education officials are discussing which changes they would like to see.
The Ohio Department of Education has been working on new curriculums by monitoring — and possibly raising — standards for young students, said Ohio Department of Education spokesperson John Charlton.
“Currently, third graders in Ohio are not meeting sufficient reading levels, and if they are continually not performing well, we have to make the standard more rigorous than before,” Charlton said.
He added there is a need for reforms in the state that would help prepare students for college.
Along with raising standards for students, Charlton said they will be focusing on holding teachers to a higher standard.
“We believe that by improving teachers, we will be able to make better conditions for students in class and therefore offer them better education.”
Matt Bunting, treasurer of Athens Local Schools, also said there is no disadvantage or advantage that goes to students, no matter where they are from.
“Whether they are from a poorer district or richer district, they get the same equipment they need,” Bunting said.
However, local educators say poverty is still a prominent issue for high school seniors considering higher education.
“Some seniors can’t even think about college as an option after they graduate from high school. Not even for the first year or semester of college,” said Carl Martin, superintendent of Athens City School District.
“There are many scholarships out there (and) in general colleges to help students who are struggling to pay the bill,” said Martin. “But still, students can’t get through college without having a lot of debt.”
Charlton’s opinion was a bit different from Martin, as he stressed the importance of cutting down on college costs by earning college credits in high school and utilizing Ohio’s many community colleges and branch campuses.
“It’s every school’s obligation to prepare their students for college,” Charlton said. “If someone really wants to go to college, there are ways to take advantages from institutions and colleges.”
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This article appeared in print under the headline "Athens’ schools seek to improve."
