Port Arthur school superintendent Johnny Brown appeared exceptionally optimistic about the future of PAISD as a result of the completion of the long-awaited new Memorial High School that the students will be attending this fall semester for the 2009 -2010 school year.

Some psychologists say that people become a product of their environment. Well if that belief holds true then we should expect a higher standard for our students in the upcoming year than we have in years past. Two things that are expected to contribute to this higher standard are a zero tolerance for habitual disruption in schools and a proposed pay raise for substitute teachers that will be decided in the next school board meeting held this Aug. 27.

Under the 2009-10 administration and beyond students will no longer have the opportunity to wreak havoc from one school to the other within our district. The superintendent has reported record numbers during the orientation process for the upcoming school year. This has given each student and their parents an opportunity to understand what is expected of them and what will and will not be tolerated. A higher standard has been established and will be maintained, according to the proud administrator.

In an effort to ensure the continuity of this high standard the superintendent has proposed a substantial pay increase for substitute teachers. Now while this pay increase is more than welcomed by the substitutes, there is an enhancement to this incentive that may only be facilitated by the teachers. This enhancement includes preparedness for potential absences, a follow up with the substitutes and accolades or consequences for students contingent on behavior and effort while under the supervision of the substitute.

Let's elaborate, shall we? Before the beginning of the year prepare a stimulating exercise that is directly related to the course curriculum study. In the event of a planned absence, have a well-prepared lesson that is new and challenging but not completely unfamiliar to the student. Then make sure that the student understands that the work that is completed in your absence will be counted as a major grade in your grade book. This will assist in vanquishing the age old mentality of “we have a substitute today we are going to clown” and “we don't have to turn this in anyway.”

This alone will minimize the undesirable behavior displayed by students in their teacher’s absence significantly. Then finally, upon your return, teachers, give careful consideration to the substitute's report and reward and or consequence accordingly.

The new learning environment is bound to create a more positive attitude toward learning; however, the environment cannot maintain its own newness; that part is up to us. In order to do this we must uphold the standard set by our leader and understand that each member is an intricate and important part of this body to operate at optimal levels worthy of exemplary recognition.

Anthony McDaniel is a resident of Port Arthur.