An interesting piece of research has been published by ETS; "The Family: America's Smallest School." "The focus of the publication describes a number of family characteristics and home conditions that influence children's cognitive development and school performance."
Three of these factors lack controversy and have been shown to work together to impact student learning. Each is within our control. We can make sure that...
• every student goes to school each day and is ready to work.
• every younger person is read to each day.
• every student's TV viewing is regulated. Reduce time in front of the TV.
Our community collectively spends millions of dollars each year providing students with the best education available. Lets take a step beyond the financial contribution. We can improve education at NC by applying those three principles.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Our Responsibility as a School
Every school has a culture, its way of going about "business." Our school district is no exception. Our basic beliefs have a strong influence on what we do.
Schools also face common challenges. The way we respond provides clues to our basic values and beliefs.
• Are we holding students to high standards?
• Are we making sure that ever learner succeeds?
• Are we encouraging parents and other community members to participate?
• Are we accepting responsibility for student learning?
The last question is fascinating! It gets to the issue, "Who has ultimate responsibility for student learning?"
There are a two fundamental answers. One view is that students and their families are responsible for learning. Parents and the larger community must push each student to succeed. It then becomes the responsibility of the learner to do his or her best, to work hard, and to succeed. It is the school's responsibility to provide high quality teachers and curriculum. However, ultimately the outcome rests with the student. This view has merit. To be a great school, parents and the entire community must communicate the importance of learning. They must provide the resources to accomplish the mission. The school must provide great teachers and a challenging, relevant curriculum. The student must work hard. This appears to be a winning formula.
The second view acknowledges the shared responsibility of learning. However, there is one additional factor. As a school, it is our responsibility to make sure it all happens. This shifts responsibility. This is our belief, and we take it seriously. It is no small task.
Schools also face common challenges. The way we respond provides clues to our basic values and beliefs.
• Are we holding students to high standards?
• Are we making sure that ever learner succeeds?
• Are we encouraging parents and other community members to participate?
• Are we accepting responsibility for student learning?
The last question is fascinating! It gets to the issue, "Who has ultimate responsibility for student learning?"
There are a two fundamental answers. One view is that students and their families are responsible for learning. Parents and the larger community must push each student to succeed. It then becomes the responsibility of the learner to do his or her best, to work hard, and to succeed. It is the school's responsibility to provide high quality teachers and curriculum. However, ultimately the outcome rests with the student. This view has merit. To be a great school, parents and the entire community must communicate the importance of learning. They must provide the resources to accomplish the mission. The school must provide great teachers and a challenging, relevant curriculum. The student must work hard. This appears to be a winning formula.
The second view acknowledges the shared responsibility of learning. However, there is one additional factor. As a school, it is our responsibility to make sure it all happens. This shifts responsibility. This is our belief, and we take it seriously. It is no small task.
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