As society changes, our schools must evolve to be current and relevant for students to be successful. School reform is not a new idea; many theorists have changed educational goals, purposes and the overall meaning of schools. It only takes one person to change an idea or policy. In the landmark case Murray v. Curlett, Madalyn O’hair’s voice was heard and prayer was taken out of schools.
Education is continuing to evolve, but whose voices will be considered for school reform? State and federal-level politicians have the biggest impact on educational change because they set the standards of education. In the local school district, board members and administration dictate how the school should reform, but where should the information come from?
With the change is society moving so quickly, many educators and politicians are unaware of the reality of student life because they have been removed from the situation. If a superintendent has been out of the classroom for 15 years, do they truly know or remember the challenges teachers and students face? That is why I believe that students, teachers and community members need to make their voices heard to board members, superintendents, and politicians. Since the school and government is making decisions that reforms schools, stakeholders need to be active to express their concerns, views, and ideas. Stakeholders need to speak up when they see something that is not right. Just a few months ago, my son’s school had an issue that very few people knew about but I felt that it was unethical. I voiced my concerns to the superintendent and the next day changes were made to fix this oversight. One person can make a difference.
In the David School (a rural charter school with at risk kids), parents, students, teachers and Principal Mitzi all meet together to discuss plans, goals, or problems like drug abuse. The principal goes to the students’ home to discuss changes that need to be made. She also asks for input of students to help make decisions. At the David School, everyone’s voice is being heard and reform is occurring because of one or two people’s opinion.
No comments:
Post a Comment