Building Successful Schools

An article in The Tennessean this morning highlights a poll taken by Vanderbilt University emphasizing that most Tennesseans do not favor a link between teacher pay and student test scores. This is a long running debate in Tennessee, so I won't bore you with the list of pros and cons of each. Just with my opinion on the matter. Our schools spend a great deal of time preparing students to take (and succeed in taking) standardized tests. Does this take away from actual student learning? Would the students learn more if teachers did not have to work so hard to ensure that the students are ready for these tests? Well, I suppose that depends on the teacher. The Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Acheivement Test covers a multitude of facts and concepts. The goal of the test is to determine if students are meeting grade level standards and, basically, learning what they are supposed to learn. So, the teacher must ensure that the students master the state standards in order to perform well on the test. Is that a bad thing? No, not necessarily. The problem comes when the teacher runs out of time to allow students to learn on their own through creative, hands on classroom techniques because he or she must ensure that they "cover everything." A good, experienced teacher know how to do both. She can find fun, effective methods of allowing students to discover the facts and master the ideas and concepts through a wide variety of activities, lectures, thoughtully planned field trips, individual and group projects, and by encouraging engaging extracurricular activities and reading. Some districts, some schools, and some teachers simply do this better than others.
So, what does it take for a school or classroom to be effective? Well, it takes a village.
School systems and state and federal governments must support our schools, the teachers and the students in their efforts. Sure, part of this can be measuring academic gains. Bonuses for teachers? Sure! We all know they are not paid enough. But let's dig a little deeper and ensure that our teachers are recieving the training and support that they need to teach that wonderful bunch of students in their hands. Give them information, opportunities for growth, and a real support system. Ensure that class sizes are appropriate to fit the subject matter, the age of the students, and the demographics and ability levels of the children in each individual classroom.
Teachers must actually care about the children and the outcome of the time spent in the classroom and beyond - and most do. Good teachers learn as much as they can about their students, their environments, their learning styles, their support systems, etc. And feed off of this information. If something is lacking, they must take the time to find a way to fill the void - do they need an outside tutor? Do they need assistance with getting good, nutritious meals? A quiet place to do homework? Is there an instructional area where they are lacking or just need a little extra help mastering? And what can I do about it?
Parents must be ACTIVE participants in their child's education. Speaking as a parent, this can be difficult at times. We all have seasons. The bottom line, though, is that these are OUR children. We are responsible for their behavior, their successes and failures, where, how, and with whom they spend their time. So what do we do? Volunteer at your child's school. Even if it is only an hour a week, a month, or a year or during weekend activities. This not only helps the teachers and staff to do their jobs more effectively and efficiently, but it fosters a relationship between yourself and those involved in your child's education. It opens doors to communication that might otherwise be lacking. It helps you to be a part of your child's world. You will know what their school day "looks like" and what goes on in the building. Check the homework. Help with the projects. If you can't do it, find someone willing to help you. Can't find someone?? Ask the guidance counselor. Attend PTO/PTA meetings (yes, I know they can be a drag - GO ANYWAY!)
Students must care about their success. They must complete assignments and learn to take responsibility for their work and behavior. We can't do it for them, but we can teach them to do it. We can ensure they get the rest and nutrition they need. We can set boundaries and limit distracting activities (you all know what I'm talking about!) If we don't teach them to be responsible, productive students, who will do that for us once they are out on their own?
So, whatever part of the village you may be, don't wait until the world slows down, and things "level off." Believe me, it won't happen; there will be something else next week. The opportunity to teach a child and change a life is right now.