Time for Change

By Dr. Tirdad Daei, Candidate for School Board

As our community gears up for the upcoming school board elections on April 2nd, it's evident that change is not just desired but necessary. With declining student enrollment, decreasing teacher salaries, and persistent challenges in education, it's time for a fresh perspective and proactive leadership. We need candidates with genuine expertise, dedication, and vision to steer our district toward a brighter future.

Recent data highlights the severity of the challenges we face. Missouri ranks 50th in educator pay nationwide, with teacher salaries decreasing by 6.3% from 2009-10 to 2020-21 (National Education Association, 2023). Nearly 20% of teachers leave the profession due to low pay, according to the Learning Policy Institute. These statistics underscore the urgent need for advocacy and reform in our educational system.

Moreover, declining student enrollment and attendance rates demand decisive action. Projections show a 10.2% decrease in total enrollment in Missouri from 2020 to 2030, with a significant drop of 11.5% in grades 9 through 12 alone (U.S. Department of Education, 2024). These trends, outlined in esteemed publications, require proactive solutions from our school board.

Additionally, as multiple incumbents are seeking re-election, it's time to bring change and national-level experience to our district. I've published 16 books, and my recent six-year research, published by the Library of Congress, demonstrates my dedication to education and research. Serving on the Policy and Guidance Oversight Committee for the Army University and as a member of the Fort Leavenworth National Security Education Consortium, I bring a deep understanding of national-level policies and diverse perspectives. As a co-author and action officer for multiple policies, I know how to work with various stakeholders, ensuring every voice is heard.

It's worth noting that while some candidates may enjoy support from local organizations, not all candidates have had the opportunity to engage with these groups. However, We all had the privilege of being interviewed by several reputable organizations, including the National Education Association (NEA), the League of Women Voters of Kansas City, Northland Neighborhoods Inc. (NNI), and the District PTA Council. These interviews provided an invaluable platform to discuss our vision and solutions for our district's future. Watch the videos: 

https://www.nkcschools.org/district/board-of-education

Throughout my campaign, I've emphasized the importance of addressing critical issues facing our schools. As a dedicated educator with 16 years of experience in the U.S. Army and higher education, I've seen firsthand the transformative power of education. My commitment to service has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Superior Service Medal second highest in the Army, and my extensive background in coaching and education has equipped me with the skills needed to lead effectively.

In this critical moment, we need a candidate uniquely equipped to address these challenges. With a distinguished career spanning three decades, including extensive research and advocacy efforts, I bring a wealth of experience to the table. My platform prioritizes key issues such as competitive teacher salaries, alternative funding sources, equitable access to resources, community engagement, and continuous improvement.

It's crucial to note that I am one of only two candidates running for the three-year term who have explicitly called for increased funding for our schools, according to a The Kansas City Beacon (March 6, 2024) analysis. This commitment demonstrates my dedication to supporting our educators and students. Read their analysis: 

https://kcbeacon.org/stories/2024/03/06/nkc-school-board-candidates/

As a school board member, I would approach book challenges in elementary and middle schools with a commitment to promoting intellectual freedom, fostering critical thinking skills, and ensuring that students have access to diverse perspectives and ideas. Implement clear and transparent policies and procedures for addressing book challenges, outlining the criteria for evaluating challenged materials and the process for review and decision-making. Ensure that these policies prioritize intellectual freedom, diversity, and inclusivity. Making sure that age-appropriate books are in use and ask for professional judgment of educators and librarians in selecting and recommending books for classroom use and library collections. To foster open communication with parents about the school's book selection process, curriculum content, and policies regarding challenged materials. Encourage parents to voice their concerns and provide opportunities for dialogue and collaboration to address any issues. Respect the rights of parents to guide their children's reading choices while ensuring that students have access to a diverse range of materials. Offer alternative assignments or accommodations for students whose parents have objections to specific books, while still meeting the educational objectives of the curriculum.

Supporting teachers in the classroom is crucial for ensuring their effectiveness and well-being, which ultimately impacts student learning outcomes. Here are some effective ways to support teachers in the classroom:

Professional Development: Provide ongoing opportunities for professional development tailored to teachers' needs and interests. This could include workshops, seminars, conferences, and online courses focused on teaching strategies, classroom management techniques, technology integration, and subject-specific content knowledge.

Collaborative Planning Time: Allocate dedicated time for teachers to collaborate with their colleagues to plan lessons, share resources, and discuss instructional strategies. Foster a culture of collaboration and teamwork where teachers can learn from each other and collectively problem-solve.

Resource Allocation: Ensure teachers have access to adequate resources and materials needed to effectively teach their lessons. This includes textbooks, technology tools, teaching aids, and supplementary materials to support diverse learning needs.

Emotional and Mental Health Support: Recognize the emotional demands of teaching and provide resources for teachers to manage stress, maintain work-life balance, and prioritize self-care. Offer access to counseling services, mindfulness programs, and wellness initiatives to support teachers' well-being.

Technology Integration: Support teachers in integrating technology effectively into their instruction by providing training, technical assistance, and access to educational software and digital resources. Encourage experimentation and innovation with new technologies to enhance teaching and learning experiences.

Parent and Community Engagement: Foster positive relationships between teachers, parents, and the wider community by encouraging open communication, involvement in school activities, and collaboration on student learning goals. Provide support for parent-teacher conferences, family engagement events, and community partnerships. Recognition and Appreciation: Acknowledge and celebrate teachers' hard work, dedication, and achievements through verbal praise, awards, and appreciation events. Show gratitude for their contributions to the school community and the lives of their students.

Dealing with lower attendance rates in North Kansas City (NKCS) or any educational institution requires a multifaceted approach aimed at identifying the underlying causes and implementing targeted interventions. Here are some strategies NKCS could consider:

Identify Root Causes: Conduct surveys, interviews, and data analysis to understand why attendance rates are low. Possible reasons could include transportation issues, health concerns, lack of engagement, bullying, family issues, or academic challenges.

Engage with Families: Foster strong partnerships with parents and guardians to emphasize the importance of regular attendance. Provide resources and support to help families overcome barriers to attendance, such as transportation assistance or access to healthcare services.

Provide Support Services: Offer counseling, mentoring, and support services to address the underlying issues contributing to absenteeism. This could include mental health support, academic tutoring, or referrals to community resources.

Create a Supportive School Culture: Cultivate a positive and inclusive school environment where students feel valued, supported, and connected to their peers and teachers. Implement strategies to prevent bullying and foster a sense of belonging among all students.

Implement Early Intervention: Monitor attendance data closely and intervene early when patterns of absenteeism emerge. Reach out to students and families to offer support and address any issues before they escalate.

Utilize Technology: Leverage technology to track attendance, communicate with families, and provide remote learning options for students who may face barriers to attending school in person.

Offer Flexible Learning Options: Provide alternative learning pathways, such as online courses or flexible scheduling, to accommodate students' individual needs and circumstances. Collaborate with Community Partners: Partner with local organizations, businesses, and agencies to provide additional resources and support for students and families facing challenges related to attendance.

Preparing students for the global market requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses both academic and practical skills, as well as fostering a global mindset. Here are some key strategies:

Cultural Competence: Encourage students to develop an understanding and appreciation of different cultures, languages, and customs. This can involve language classes, cultural exchange programs, and exposure to diverse perspectives in their curriculum.

Communication Skills: Emphasize the importance of effective communication, both verbal and non-verbal, in diverse settings. This includes proficiency in English as the global lingua franca, as well as other languages relevant to their chosen field or regions of interest.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Equip students with the ability to analyze complex issues, think creatively, and adapt to changing circumstances. Encourage them to tackle real-world problems through internships, case studies, and project-based learning.

Global Awareness: Educate students about global issues, such as sustainability, social justice, and economic development. Help them understand the interconnectedness of the world and the implications of their actions on a global scale.

Technology Skills: Provide training in digital literacy and emerging technologies relevant to the global marketplace, such as data analysis, coding, and online collaboration tools. Cross-

Cultural Teamwork: Foster collaboration in diverse teams to simulate real-world working environments. Encourage students to work with peers from different backgrounds and learn how to navigate cultural differences effectively.

Internships and Experiential Learning: Facilitate opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience through internships, study abroad programs, or virtual exchanges with international partners. This allows them to apply their skills in real-world contexts and build professional networks.

Entrepreneurial Mindset: Encourage entrepreneurial thinking and innovation among students, fostering creativity, resilience, and adaptability in the face of global challenges and opportunities.

Global Networking: Provide platforms for students to connect with professionals and alumni from around the world through networking events, mentorship programs, and online communities.

Continuous Learning: Promote lifelong learning and professional development to ensure that students remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global market. Encourage them to seek out learning opportunities, pursue further education, and stay abreast of industry trends.

By adopting these strategies, educational institutions can empower students to thrive in the global marketplace, equipped with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to succeed in an interconnected world.

As voters, we must carefully consider the future of our educational system and the candidates who will shape it. It's time to move beyond the status quo and embrace positive change. I offer the leadership, experience, and vision needed to propel our district forward.

GOD BLESS.

References:

National Education Association. (April 26, 2023). "Missouri Ranks 50th: NEA Reports Nationwide Data on Educator Pay." Retrieved from https://www.mnea.org/TEACHERPAY2023

U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics. (2024). "Projections of Education Statistics to 2030." Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2024/2024034.pdf

The Kansas City Beacon. (March 6, 2024). "North Kansas City School Board Candidates Share Their Visions for the District." Retrieved from https://kcbeacon.org/stories/2024/03/06/nkc-school-board-candidates/

District PTA Council Candidate Forum. (March 18, 2024). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2u4LrwgKraA