Allen Dreher
Candidate
House District 43

www.allendreher.com

I believe that Douglas County has one of the best school systems in the state. But even with its status as one of the finest the Douglas County school district faces some severe challenges brought on by unrealistic federal and state education mandates. These standards need to be re-evaluated in order to make them align with common sense. It is not uncommon for students in the higher elementary grade levels to spend up to 10 days taking CSAP tests. Even this does not reflect the time spent preparing children just to take the test. These prep and test days must take away from real learning. There has not been one teacher that I have talked to who does not believe in standards and accountability for their profession. They are all in favor of showing what they can do for and with the students. However, not one feels that these tests, these standards are the answer. They deter from the one thing that they all want to do… teach.

Colorado’s average teacher salary compared to average pay in other occupations declined from 30th to 50th in the nation. Only if these mandates are changed will the highest quality of education be provided. Only in this way will intelligent, qualified and passionate people be attracted to the teaching profession.

Ask yourself, would I be willing to accept a job that is under paid, over worked and under appreciated. Maybe that is why that the average career span of a teacher is only 5 years. If a new graduate starts his or her teaching career today, they will be finished by 5 years. How can we expect the best and brightest to stay if we don’t show them that we appreciate what they accomplish? When we don’t pay them a fair and justified salary. We as parents and citizens need to step up to the plate and assure the future of our children and neighbors children and let teachers do what they love to do, teach.

Read more about Allen

Citizens for Allen Dreher
PO Box 261533
Highlands Ranch, CO 80163-1533

Phone: 303-886-6623

Allen@AllenDreher.com