Education week

American Education Week, celebrated this week, is a good time to examine concerns in education. However, locally there are many positives to recognize.

In a four-part series titled "Working the plan," Southeast Missourian education reporter M.D. Kittle looked at the Cape Girardeau School District's Comprehensive School Improvement Plan. The five year plan is making great strides in improving education for local students.

Educators and volunteers are finding ways to maximize student potential and reduce discipline problems; teachers are improving their performance through professional development as well as internal collaboration; a $40 million districtwide facilities improvement plan, approved by voters in April, will substantially improve the district's infrastructure; and volunteers and organizations are working to bridge the gap between parents, students and the educational system -- especially when it comes to reading.

One of these volunteers is Nancy Bray. In an semissourian.com video, Ms. Bray, who volunteers in the "Read to Succeed" program at Blanchard Elementary, stressed the importance of learning to read early. She said, "If you can get it right these first few grades, that is their ticket to success from there on."

Thank you to all those who are making an impact in the lives of Southeast Missouri children.