Thursday, March 19, 2009
I Think Not
Our schools have relatively small classes, well-educated teachers, sufficient textbooks and supplies. In public schools, some students learn, develop, mature and grow as learners while others do not. I believe there are more factors influencing the outcomes of students' educations than just the quality of the schools. What about the parents? What about the extended family? What about friends? It is an uphill battle for a school to undo the damage done by neglectful or abusive families. I don't think schools are ultimately responsible for everything young people are capable or incapable of doing. They have to participate in their education as well.
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I think it really is important not to underestimate student accountability. If there is not buy-in on the part of the student, teachers can only do so much, go so far. I usually try to appeal to student's emotional side to motivate them--meet them halfway with interactive activities that appeal to their outside interests-but sometimes it is still difficult to connect.
ReplyDeleteIt is true that there are a number of things that the educational system could improve; however, I too agree that the student, his parents and the extended community should become stakeholders in educational process. Should this happen on a whole scale basis, not only will the teacher be the one planning for the academic success of the student, but the student, the parent, and the community as well. As teachers put much thought into developing avenues for which students can travel successfully, this too must become the goal of all the stakeholders.
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