"Our junior high lost two of our elective teachers last year due to continuing cutbacks that came out of NCLB requirements. This means that the three remaining elective teachers, one of whom is only part time, have to provide enriching experiences to a school of about 500 students.

"Needless to say, as the only art teacher, I have had large classes. Most of my classes began the semester at 28 to 30 students.This has taken much of the joy out of teaching art because so much of my time is spent in just controlling the classroom. Many of the fun and interesting projects kids love to do, I don't even offer because it is to hard to keep an eye out for safety issues, such as sharp points and cutting tools. The number of kids also increases the difficulty in prepping supplies for complex artwork.

"From the kids' point of view, they are in a school with limited opportunities for fun classes that will expand their physical, mental, and creative abilities and that may keep them engaged and in school. Many students get to take only the 'elective' of remedial reading. Sounds like fun to a seventh- or eighth-grader!

 "Please give students, educators, and public education a chance for success by providing adequate funding and reasonable expectations for educational results. Give kids the chance to show what they can do without the pressure of one-size-fits-all requirements for student development and learning."

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