As we try to educate children in the 21st century we are faced with many barriers that slow our rate of improving student achievement such as poverty, obesity in children, funding cuts, accountability changes and H1N1 flu, just to name a few. Our children are facing exponential educational changes as they continue through the educational system. We are preparing children for jobs that are not yet in existence. How do we do that with the barriers that we face as we try to educate our children?

Mississippi is one of the poorest states in the union and also has the designation of being the fattest state in the nation as well. We know that our children of poverty are as intelligent as our more affluent students, but addressing the poverty that the children and families endure is an extra challenge for many school districts. Our educators are to be applauded for their efforts to improve the quality of life for these young people.

We are giving them the tools to break the cycle of poverty, new health and physical education standards as well as educating them on proper nutritional habits that have been reflected in the changes in vending policies in school districts. The Web site www.healthyschoolsms.org provides helpful information to educators and the public to help address these challenges.

The horizon looks gloomy as we continue to get the forecasts of the economy for the next few years. It does not look great, but our responsibility to children will not change, nor will our expectations. Educators are known for their creativity and innovation and in some cases working miracles with young people. We can all look back in our educational history and identify educations that have been extremely influential in our lives.

As we maneuver our way through these challenging economic times, it is imperative that we help our elected officials to understand that the way to brighter futures is to continue to invest in our greatest resource, our children. You can contact your legislator via the following Web site: www.mississippi.gov. The legislative support that we have received in the past is greatly appreciated and we do not want to lose ground on the progress we have made.

We are now receiving the standardized test results from the new accountability system from the Mississippi Department of Education. Information can be found at the following Web site: www.mde.k12.ms.us and clicking on (State Board of Education Approved Accountability Model). This new accountability system will raise lots of questions for our stakeholders and it will be difficult to explain our status as compared to the old system. I encourage everyone to be proactive and positive in involving our stakeholders and educating our community on this new accountability system. We will continue to involve ourselves in professional development that will help us to continue to be successful with this new system.

Finally, we are faced with the possibility of increased H1N1 flu this school year. We all must educate our public on the importance of taking this seriously and take the necessary precautions for our families and entire communities. The Mississippi Department of Education has done an excellent job providing tips to help communities address flu issues in the proper manner. Please visit the Web site www.healthyschoolsms.org/ohs_main/news.htm. This site gives the most up-to-date information on the H1N1 flu. It is not too early to work with students, parents, faculty/staff and the community to be ready for the flu season.

Despite all of the challenges listed, I know that we as educators will not let these challenges be a hindrance to us in our call to educate children in the 21st century. On behalf of the Mississippi Association of School Administrators, I would like to wish you all a great school year.

Anthony L. MORRIS is the Mississippi Association of School Administrators president.