ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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I have been doing some informal polling among teachers I know and have 
found that in addition to the high cost of transportation, many schools 
are also experiencing a reduction in the overall budget, and therefore 
have less money to spend on "extras." 

Additionally, I believe there are two reasons to blame the No Child Left 
Behind legislation. 

First, because of NCLB's focus on testing, many teachers are dropping 
the fun, hands-on stuff to focus more time on test materials and 
test-taking skills.

Second, and maybe more importantly: the focus on testing and meeting a 
minimum academic level means that schools must spend more of their 
budgets getting every kid up to speed.  I wholeheartedly agree that we 
need to make sure all students reach a minimum level but there is an 
unintended result.  Creating academic requirements without providing 
financial resources to help reach them means that schools are 
transferring their limited resources away from enriching activities for 
all students and focusing them on students who need to catch up.  
(Witness: the drop off in arts programs, field trips, etc.)

Another good reason why even informal educators should get involved with 
educational policy!


Alexis Abramo
Education Program Coordinator
Sciencenter
601 First St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
[log in to unmask]
607-272-0600 ext. 20




Rita Bell wrote:

>ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
>Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
>*****************************************************************************
>
>Hello all, 
>We've been noticing a drop off in our school reservation numbers this year and were wondering if anyone else is having a similar experience.  Most teachers are blaming the high cost of transportation, which is understandable. Any insights? or suggestions? 
>
>Thanks, 
>Rita
>
>Rita Bell
>Education Programs Manager
>Monterey Bay Aquarium 
>886 Cannery Row
>Monterey, CA 93940
>831-648-4845
>[log in to unmask] 
>
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