It seems like virtually overnight, classroom "supplies" have become more expensive than the cost of living for an average single teacher. Luckily for parents, though, these costs are not (yet) coming out of their own pockets! But while schools are facing enormous budget cuts and the criteria for funding hinges on the success rates of their currently enrolled students, teachers are finding it necessary to spend their own money for the types of supplies they want in their class.

Teachers have always been known for wanting what is best for their students. There is no doubt that the most interactive, engaging ideas are generated by and for teachers in an effort to excite their students' love of learning. Students today, however, seem to need more than the average classroom teacher can offer. Additionally, today's students want to use resources that are basically banned from their schools! They want to use their iPods, cell phones, and computers.

Since technology has advanced so quickly, it is now more likely for students to have the most up-to-date cell phone, while they may be lacking many of the things that used to seem most important: sufficient shelter, adequate clothing, nutritious food and access to study materials and resources. If you are not sure if this is accurate, you haven't been in an average school lately. It's not that students don't care about these things. It's simply a shift of social values. Cell phones and mp3 players are more valuable for getting social popularity points than the new AirJordan's were ten years ago.

Since access to the World Wide Web is so ubiquitous, students know how to navigate to get the answers they need for a math or science test, or for the Cliff's Notes for the class novel they are reading. But test scores continue to decline, allegedly signifying they are becoming increasingly weaker at retaining that information for long term memory recall. The problem isn't that they can't learn - but that they learn differently - today. Instead, the problem lies with the traditional tools teachers are forced to use because getting the cutting edge tools into their classrooms seems impossible. They can't waste time with new toys. They have to raise the scores for the high - stakes state tests that inevitably will decide how much money they can have for next year's students.

There is a strung surge of progressive thinkers entering the administrative positions in school districts and the schools around the country, but I don't think we should wait for them to get to my hometown! That's why I have located the essential tools for teachers today. These are sure-fire resources that will be low-cost (possible FREE) and certain to please the students who can't understand why their teachers just don't get it! If you are like me, you will love the free, cheap and exciting tools you use in your classroom today! Check out the link below to find out more!

http://www.teachersweb20lounge.com