Petition to US Dept. of Education for safer schools

To:  US Department of Education

In these times of advanced technology, the educational environment has also stepped up to keep up with the latest technological fads and developments. The internet has made it’s home on campus and in the libraries. A study done by the Institute of Educational Sciences shows that: (In fall 2005, nearly 100 percent of public schools in the United States had access to the Internet, compared with 35 percent in 1994. In 2005, no differences in school Internet access were observed by any school characteristics, which is consistent with data reported previously. There have been virtually no differences in school access to the Internet by school characteristics since 1999.) http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=46 Cell phones have become a source of ready communication for students before, during, or after school hours. Ipods can be a source of distraction to our youth, and lets not forget portable gaming systems. As you can see, technology has become a major factor in our educational systems. Horrific tragedies have been witnessed by the world because of security cameras located on campus, as evidenced by the Columbine High School shootings.


With all this said, we have to ask ourselves “If we can use technology to keep our students up to date with the world, how can we use technology to keep our students safer? How can we further the progress of our students using technology? How can we keep teachers in line with teaching standards that are expected of them?


We are actually halfway there. Why not expand the camera system to every classroom, allowing parents to access their children’s classroom from home or work. Imagine how much more productive a student can become knowing that mom or dad could be tuned in at any moment. Imagine a classroom bully being kept in line with his habits knowing his parents or the parents of his victims may be watching his every move. Imagine a potentially abusive teacher being kept in line knowing his actions will be not go unseen.


I’m not saying to let just anyone have access to the classrooms, only registered parents or guardians who would need a school issued login ID and passwords. And also expand to the lunchroom, library, and playgrounds. Lets make education for our youth a safe environment for maximized results.


Maybe some will argue that it violates their privacy. Well I’m more willing to violate the privacy of my children on a public school campus, then receive the bad news that a school bully went on a rampage, or that the victim of repeated bullying decided enough is enough. Or what about the staff child predators that make the headlines every now and then? I think the obvious is clear.


I can imagine that the Department of Education will put up a nasty fight to prevent this from ever becoming reality. Only because it fears the lawsuits that may result once abusive, neglectful staff are exposed. But once the educational system is clear of them, and school bullies are kept in check. Well, to me that sounds like the type of education system I want my little ones to experience.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The Petition to US Dept. of Education for safer schools Petition to US Department of Education was created by and written by Erick Mason (21mason21@sbcglobal.net).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.