Reform . . . Where to Start?

"Whenever you find you are on the side of the majority, it is time to reform." Mark Twain

There is no doubt that our educational system is a topic of many a conversation and the need to make significant changes. We can't forget that education should focus on each and every student. The research supports that the key factor in student learning is the classroom teacher. Today's teachers are often drowning in mounds of paperwork directly dealing with accountability. Data compiled on each child is important, however let's not lose sight of maintaining a balance.

What about the new teachers and ones that are struggling? How do we find avenues to support them and use the talent in our school directly for this purpose?  This brings us back to the value of professional development. It should not be confined to several days in a school calendar. It is essential for it to happen every day. You see it in collaborative teams, the support of coaches in the classroom, constructive feedback from supervisors to help teachers improve their practice, and providing opportunities to have access to the latest research and best practices.

Meetings are often filled with the nuts and bolts of the school, teams often have issues mandated to cover, teachers need to input data, and we do want time in the classroom to teach. This is where reform can play a part in prioritizing and looking to see what can we change.

This is a huge task but it is a place to start.

Slow the RACE Down

I recently saw a screening of Race to Nowhere, a first time film by Vicki Abeles. The Washington Post covered a screening and stated, "the film has raised difficult questions about how to raise well-adjusted children at a time when schools seem test-obessed, advanced classes are the norm and parents worry that their children will not go as far in life as they have."

It paints the picture of children grades K - 12 who do not have the luxury to enjoy childhood. The demands they face on a daily basis would stress out any adult and many of these children are not equipped to handle them.  They are overworked, over programmed, and continually reminded that the competition is just getting tougher. So get on that treadmill and keep on running . . . but to where?

Children and young adults are arriving to a place of stress, low self-esteem, cheating, drugs, and as the movie so clearly shows death. This is not a place for anyone and we need to re-think where we want our schools to take them. However, in this case it is not the school alone that is responsible. Parents need to be educated on what they think the BEST school is, may not be the BEST school for their child.

Spitting out facts and scoring high on tests should not be the factor in determining a student's success or for that matter a successful teacher.  Successful learning should be looked at in many areas. What about creativity, compassion, individualism, critical thinking, and passionate learning?  How can we reform our educational practices and promote learning through student interest? A strong, well designed curriculum can be used as a road map, but why can't we also look at alternative routes.

There is not a one size fits all answer.  We need to look at creating a healthier environment in our schools through collaboration at all levels; administrators, teachers, students, and parents.

Remember not everyone gets to the finish line at the same time or in the same way or even crosses it. Let's look at how can we get our students on the right track and truly be successful at accomplishing their goals in a positive learning environment.