Ms. Mitchell has seen many changes in education during her 28-year career. And students now require a different type of instruction because they are exposed to mass media more than previous generations. It is more difficult to get and keep students' attention. As students are attracted to magnet schools and travel across town to attend them, Ms. Mitchell has seen an end to neighborhood schools and the community support they enjoyed. When they have met the exit criteria, they move on to fourth grade.
Students work at their maximum potential and keep a portfolio of their achievements.
They learn from each other, which includes learning to read more quickly. Ms. Mitchell believes school reforms need greater teacher input. Legislators are not educators. She also supports smaller classes, more individualized instruction, greater resources and teacher empowerment. Ms. Mitchell is skeptical about school vouchers.