"This one had the least impact on education"

We know that for students to learn, educators must also be afforded the same opportunity. When Congress was developing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, we asked a sample of superintendents about their school systems' greatest funding needs. The education leaders identified professional development as a top priority even during this financial crisis. Let us hope that before cutting back on professional development, elected officials and school administrators will carefully consider its importance in supporting the success of our students and our educators. Even in these difficult times, professional growth opportunities are a worthy investment for the long-term benefit of our students.

This is the summary of the article written by Gene R Carter, Executive Director, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD).

The quotation is from this article and in direct reference to Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri's recommendation to eliminate his state's teacher professional development funding for the year.

In a year full of tough choices, the toughest choices we will face will affect our children. If the proper education of our children is not a priority, what is?