Lowe In The News

MEET THE SENATOR
The Jackson Sun
October 15, 2008

The son of a second-grade teacher, state Sen. Lowe Finney, D-Jackson, admittedly has a bit of a soft spot for educators.

Before the legislative session begins next year, Finney will have visited several schools in Carroll, Gibson and Madison counties to listen to teacher concerns.

Finney talked and ate lunch with teachers at Malesus Elementary on Tuesday.

Instructional coach Missy Coley asked Finney to find financial support for schools that don't receive federal Title I or Reading First money, but have made adequate yearly progress under the federal No Child Left Behind law.

"Most of the federal money goes to schools that are on the list," Coley said. "But there isn't anything for the schools that aren't."

Coley said the school has often applied for grants, but is not awarded them often.

"We have a strong parent/teacher organization and they are a great help," she said.

Finney said the discussions with the teachers would help keep education issues fresh in his mind.

"When we start looking at legislation in January, it helps to know the thoughts of people on the front lines," Finney said.

Of all of the issues that face education, Finney said the reoccurring issue teachers have is with No Child Left Behind.

"They are frustrated by the demands," he said.

Fourth-grade teacher Linda Seaman said teachers are very worried about No Child Left Behind.

"There's so much paperwork involved and accountability," Seaman said. "Not that I don't want to be held accountable, but the benchmarks keep going up."

Transitional teacher Dawn Pearce told Finney that every elementary school should have a transitional class.

Transitional is a grade level in which students who are in kindergarten are promoted to instead of the first grade.

"This is a half step between kindergarten and first grade," Pearce said.

"The parents love it because the students experience huge growth. The first half of the year, they master the skills they didn't in kindergarten; they also get a little first grade."

The class allows them to work in a smaller setting, master kindergarten skills and get a feel for what they would learn in first grade.

"We focus on math and reading all day long," Pearce said.

Jackson-Madison County Schools has two transitional programs, at Malesus and Lincoln elementary, she said.

Finney represents the 27th district in the state senate, which includes Carroll, Gibson and Madison counties.

Teachers thanked Finney on Tuesday for visiting with them.

"I applaud him for coming out to the schools," said Pam McCarty, who works with the school's gifted program.

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