What the best and wisest parent wants for his own child, that must be what the community wants for all its children. – John Dewey
The quality of a child’s education ought not be determined by his or her ZIP Code. Nor by the luck of the draw regarding which teacher he or she has been given in a given year.
That’s why it is essential that:
• schools be designed so that all students and all staff members are successful,
• all teachers experience various types of informal and formal professional learning each day as part of their work,
• all teachers are part of high-functioning teams that continuously improve teaching and learning for the benefit of all students,
• every member of the school community feels engaged and supported in his or her unique role,
• the success of reform efforts be judged based on whether they have a positive effect on all students, not just those who are easiest to educate or have the most engaged parents (school privatization programs that leave public schools with fewer resources to educate this nation’s most-challenged students do not meet that criterion).
Taken together, these assertions are the rationale for a strong, comprehensive, and accountable system of public education sustained by dedicated and skillful career educators.
What did I miss?
Authentic and productive partnerships between the school system and its community (organizations, families, government, other school systems)
Great addition, Naomi!
A student support team should be present in every building. At the core this team should consist of a school psychologist, school social worker, LD teacher, speech/ language teacher, school nurse, reading teacher and principal. The ” team” should have weekly scheduled meetings, available to any teacher for the discussion of struggling students. The diagnostic and professional input of all will create an environment to problem solve on behave of the student and will ultimately involve the engagement of the child’s care parent or care giver. At the high school level guidance counselor s would also be a key part of the team. This has to be a commitment at the district level, regardless of Zip Code! A welcoming, non- threatening meeting with the team creates an opportunity to help students through their teachers, administrators and family! Far from a waste of time or resources, if used correctly, the support team can be invaluable to a school community, without any stigma or judgement attached!
It would be wonderful if all students felt they were supported by a team who had their best interests at heart.
YES..the success of reform efforts be judged based on whether they have a positive effect on all students..POSITIVE is key!!!
Yes… All students, positive effects!