| Importance
One of the most
effective forms of education is student-teacher interaction.
The student-to- teacher ratio for New Jersey public schools
has recently hovered around 14 students per teacher, which places
us second best among states. Our state may be stronger in the
future as a result. These average class sizes reflect not only
general education classes but also smaller classes, including
special education and counseling.
Economic
Businesses
invest in machinery, advertising, and materials. Through their
taxes, they invest indirectly in an even more critical resource:
educated employees, the products of our public schools. An investment
in well educated people means far more to our economy than the
purchase of any machine or the building of any infrastructure.
Environmental
Education
illuminates the connections between our actions and the consequences
for the environment and our society. "Thinking skills" are crucial
to fostering environmental awareness. Teachers cultivate such
thinking. A quality education instills environmental stewardship
values.
Social
In addition
to teaching skills and critical thinking, an education teaches
children how to behave in social settings. Self-discipline,
respect for others, and other key social values can be instilled
through classroom experience. Adequate attention from teachers
is a critical component of this learning experience.
Knowledge
Gaps
This
indicator does not take into account the quality of teaching
or teacher qualifications. It also does not account for the
curricula that are taught to our children. The indicator includes
classes that have different types of teachers, such as special
education and counseling, which are more prevalent in some schools.
A better indicator would account for these differences and represent
typical general education class sizes.
Data
Source: NJ Department of Education |
