More concern about technology in MMSD: another teacher explains the problem

Recently, I posted a letter from a middle school teacher in Madison regarding inadequate computers at one of our middle schools. Fancy programs on aging computers:an MMSD teacher tries to make things work

Today the Madison school board received another letter from a teacher explaining how the current state of computers and software makes teaching harder and more stressful. While this is a typical complaint from the schools, I don't see the same problems with central administration computers.

Dear Board Members and Mr. Rainwater,

I have been a teacher for MMSD for fifteen years. I am committed to and love this district and its students. I work at .... This is a wonderful building in which to work. The staff is solid, caring, and professional.

....

A second concern in our building is technology. I love the new attendance system and am currently using the grading program on infinite campus which I also enjoy. Unfortunately, our computers are slow and often freeze up. Quite often, I have to call my attendance into the office because it takes 10-15 minutes for the computer to load. We have little access to adequate computers as a staff. It makes it difficult to be able to keep grades in a timely manner. Six of us in 8th grade have to share one antiquated computer for our planning area. My guess is that most other professionals in this city would not even think of working with such inadequate technology.

I know budget cuts are the number one problem here and I'm sure you'll tell me that there's nothing that can be done unless we get more money. I just wanted an opportunity to tell you that this is quite a stress on those of us who teach and are in the trenches every day. We love our kids and our jobs but it is becoming very difficult to be the best we can be.

Thanks for your time.

Posted by Ruth Robarts at October 13, 2006 12:28 PM
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