The United States is currently ranked 18 out of 36 countries in educational standards and this has created appropriate concern among educational, economic and government officials. This statistic should also alarm parents and every citizen of the United States. With only 75 percent of American students graduating with a diploma from high school, if the trend is allowed to continue, these officials fear that the United States would rapidly lose its rank as an economic leader.
There is a movement across the country that offers parents choices in schools for their children. The growing sentiment to create competition in education is picking up support as it is believed that this will increase the standard and offer a better education system to students. But still most agree that more must be done to improve the quality of the public educational system.
Many do not realize that most teachers spend $400 out of their own pocket every year to purchase materials for their students. Concerned citizens can assist teachers pay for special projects by going to http://www.donorschoose.org where teachers post requests for projects they wish to use to engage their students in the educational experience. Donors can select specific projects and areas that they wish to contribute. Requests vary from teacher to teacher but this is a great way for individuals who see the value of education to help on a personal level.
Other organizations that support teachers are organizing across the country. Resources such as http://www.teachforamerica.org create a support system for those professionals who are committed to providing the highest quality education that is available. For instance, this organization is made up of 8,200 members who have joined together to provide resources that assist teachers who teach more than 500,000 students in low income areas. This organization reaches out to professionals from all 50 states who want to share their experiences in the classroom.