Sowers knows education needs

As an educator for 38 years, I am concerned about educational quality in the 8th District. One-third of the schools identified as failing to meet accreditation standards are in this district. Qualified, hard-working teachers serve our schools, but they are inadequately supported.

When No Child Left Behind was passed we hoped that it would improve education for all children by setting high standards and measurable goals. Regrettably, however, adequate funding to ensure that children were not left behind was not forthcoming.

Although Congresswoman Emerson voted to establish NCLB, the bill was never fully funded. As teachers struggled to meet requirements, Emerson repeatedly voted to cut funding. The inadequately funded requirement frustrates teachers and leads to a system that fails our children.

We need a representative who has lived here and understands the district. As an educator himself, Tommy Sowers understands the need to build up our educational system.

KATHLEEN CONWAY, Professor Emeritus, College of Education, Southeast Missouri State University, 2812 Oakshire Circle, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701