LIHU‘E — Education budgets are being cut nationwide and statewide, forcing schools across the country and state to eliminate valuable programs such as field trips. According to a recent report by the American Association of School Administrators, 11 percent of
LIHU‘E — Education budgets are being cut nationwide and statewide, forcing schools across the country and state to eliminate valuable programs such as field trips.
According to a recent report by the American Association of School Administrators, 11 percent of schools nationwide reported eliminating field trips in 2008-2009. This number grew to 24 percent in 2009-2010 and topped a staggering 51 percent for the 2010-2011 school year.
Many experts agree that field trips can integral parts of children’s education, giving students real-life experience to supplement abstract classroom lessons. And parents and caregivers play an important role in creating great field-trip experiences.
“Parents are vital to the success of their children’s education,” said Charles Saylors, National Parent-Teacher Association President. “Partnering with their child’s teacher to chaperone, helping raise funds or creating trip opportunities through their personal connections in order to provide memorable learning experiences outside the classroom are just a few ways parents can have a tremendous impact.”
Despite schools’ limited resources, parents can suggest low-budget, high-impact, field-trip options that can engage students and add memorable experiences to their curricula.
Here are a few ideas:
• Colleges or universities:
Many local colleges and universities offer rich arrays of field-trip opportunities through performances, classroom visits and general college tours — often at minimal cost. Not only do students get a unique learning experience, they’re also exposed to what college has to offer. These visits can be especially beneficial for students who might not have previously considered attending college.
• Local historical societies and sites:
State and local historical societies allow students to experience history through hands-on, interactive activities. Whether it’s seeing how their ancestors lived or discovering local connections to national events, these field trips take history out of the textbook and make it real.
• Museums and art galleries:
Bring art, science, pop culture or history to life with a trip to a local museum. Guided tours and special student programs help kids engage with the past and imagine the future.
• Local businesses:
Many local business owners are glad to give students a peek at what goes on behind the scenes. Local businesses can provide unique learning experiences for students with tours and hands-on experiences at low cost. Whether it’s watching how a product is made or seeing how a play gets produced, students will enjoy getting a behind-the-scenes look into local businesses.
