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Welcome to the 2006 WEAC Convention, where you might say we are going back to the basics. I don't mean the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic, although those studies are well represented. What I mean is the basics of providing a great education to every child in Wisconsin, a level of quality throughout the state that gives every child the opportunity to succeed in life, regardless of family income or geography. These are the basics of democracy because our democracy truly depends on a strong system of public education that creates an educated and involved citizenry and a highly skilled workforce.
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The WEAC Convention is October 26-27 at the
Alliant Energy Center in Madison.
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Every year, this becomes more important as we fight for the resources we need to provide that high level of quality in every school. We must overcome the achievement gap between our minority and disadvantaged students and their more advantaged counterparts. And we must find ways to increase the number of experienced and highly qualified teachers in our high-needs schools, both urban and rural.
Our keynote speaker, Jonathan Kozol, knows all about inequities. He has written several books that expose the injustices that minority and disadvantaged students face throughout the country. When you read Jonathan Kozol's books - such as "Death at an Early Age," "Rachel and her Children," "Savage Inequalities," and "The Shame of a Nation" - you can't help but be filled with sorrow and anger over the plight of these children. But more importantly, you have to feel motivated to do something about it.
This is one of those years when we can, and must, do something about it. It is an election year.
In "Shame of a Nation," Jonathan Kozol writes about the decaying infrastructure, the under-spending and overcrowding in too many of our nation's schools. Recounting his visits to nearly 60 poor schools in 11 states, he observes a lack of art and music teachers and librarians and a shortage of many other opportunities that children in more advantaged areas take for granted. And he talks about the resegregation of our schools.
We know that in Wisconsin we too have problems with inequities and segregation. But we believe that - with a lot of work, collaboration and resources - we can address and resolve those problems. But we also know we can't do it alone. We need leadership in government that recognizes the importance of quality public education for every child and supports schools at every level.
As you listen to Jonathan Kozol at our General Session on Thursday, and as you attend many of the other dozens of sessions on education issues, keep in mind that so much of what we do and so much of what children experience in our schools is dependent on the decisions made by our government leaders. Take that back with you as you return to your communities and start another school year. Please work with your colleagues, friends and neighbors to help elect a full slate of pro-education candidates.
Let's make sure the horror stories that Jonathan Kozol relates become less and less commonplace until they disappear altogether, and we as a state and a nation provide high-quality education to every child.
Have a great Convention!
