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We all care about the schooling of our children - or do we? It seems that in times of economic crisis the education budget gets slashed first. Some satirically point out that perhaps the budget is being cut to the point of making our children vulnerable to the depredations of sexual predators.

While the actual repercussions of a budget cut might not be as severe as children being whisked away to be carnally abused, they can still be far-reaching. Think of what the budget cuts would mean: fewer teachers, larger classes, no new textbooks or supplies, aging buildings, and a less educated workforce in the future.

Fewer teachers and larger classes would have the largest detrimental impact on elementary school students. It is a proven fact that children learn better when they are able to hold more of the teacher's attention. A class of eighteen is more manageable than a class of thirty; sadly, the latter is becoming more and more the case. I have heard many a teacher complain about ballooning class size because of a general preference for smaller groups. I have always favored classes with fewer students because the atmosphere is much more conducive to learning - everyone seems more relaxed, and it's easier to pay attention and ask questions.

The textbooks of many schools are already falling apart, not to mention the graffiti that often litters such tomes of knowledge. Textbooks, even for younger students, often need to be replaced. Most of these books cost anywhere from fifty to a hundred dollars, no price to sneeze at when you buy them thirty or more at a time. Even when they do not require replacement due to damage, new editions and improved versions need to be purchased.

Aging buildings can be not only an impediment to learning, but to health. Mold, insect infections, rats - all are problems that could hinder learning, or even cause disease. School districts also like tearing down old and constructing new schools because more up-to-date buildings can take advantage of new technology to aid in learning.

Finally, we can't expect the economy to grow if we deny our children the education to succeed in life. In the current global economy, when our workforce is being outsmarted by our Japanese, Chinese, and European peers, something has to be wrong. They definitely value their education more than we do, and benefit from it. While there may be no short-term economic gains from investing in our education system, it's like putting a down payment on tomorrow.

Learn more about this author, Zachary Belins.
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