As a retired elementary school teacher of over 30 years, I am shocked that Springfield teachers who are standing up for mandates on a complete, state-mandated curriculum to teach reading, writing and math, but also social studies, science, health and the arts are being targeted by their school district, which is out of compliance with these state mandates. Teachers have been under fire for insisting that the school district adheres to the broader curriculum established by the state on behalf of students.

Teaching reading, writing and arithmetic most of the day is drudgery for students and educators alike. Repetitive drills in reading and math do not produce more learning and higher achieving students. Despite three to five hours of reading instruction a day, national reading skills continue to decline.

Teachers have between 15 and 30 minutes per week to teach science, social studies, geography and similar topics. I’ve heard students read about the state of New York, but have no idea where it is, nor do many know how a state is different from a city or country.

When my granddaughter was in elementary school in Springfield, she said her school year was going OK. She didn’t have a favorite subject — it was just reading and math most of the day. I asked about science, history, geography and art, and she replied, “We don’t do those.” When she moved to a different school district, I asked her the same question. She answered, “Science! It’s exciting, fun and I learn a lot!”

I know that students light up when learning the variety of subjects that support them on their road to adulthood. We need them to have a good foundation and wide knowledge and skills necessary to be informed citizens. Teachers are fighting for our students to receive the well-rounded education that they deserve, according to Oregon state mandates. For the sake of our students now and in the future, we need the Springfield School District, and all Oregon school districts, to support students by following these mandates.

Carrie Ann Naumoff
Eugene