State testing effects all of us in the education world. It effects some of us more than others. Some schools hit it out of the park while other schools have a very difficult time with these tests. Unfortunately, Orange Middle School is one of those schools that has had a problem. They have failed to meet the benchmark for six years now. The school realized that they had a problem and stepped up to the plate to do something about it.
Orange Middle School handled the situation in a way that I thought was very appropriate. It didn't seem like they pointed fingers at people. I liked the way that they divided up the school into five sections. Having smaller groups is ideal. So much more can be done with smaller groups. Teacher and student interaction becomes easier. A teacher can also get to know his/her students on a more personal level. This will allow the teachers to be better prepared to teach the lessons. It will allow the teacher to recognize the difference in their students. Differentiated instruction can easily come into play. Another thing that I liked was how the educators met together to discuss what is going on in their classrooms. Working as a team is very beneficial. Both the teachers and students can succeed in a learning environment where nobody is left out in the dark. During the meeting time teachers can share experiences. I know when I am having a problem it is good to know that I am not the only one with this problem or when I find something that works I can't wait to share it with a colleague. To me there is nothing worse than feeling lonely.
Even though Orange Middle School is taking the steps in the right direction towards a better future I feel that the school would benefit from more parental involvement. I think the school should organize workshops, activities, or just simply invite parents into the school. When the community gets involved it is always a good thing. The children need to know that there is somewhere there for them. The middle school years can be a rough couple of years. All the support they can get the better. The article also mentioned that there is a safety issue in the school. Having police around is a good idea, but I wonder how the children feel about it? You don't want the children feeling like they prisoners. Maybe teachers can attend workshops on how to help angry teens or have a guidance counselor more readily available. Another solution is to have children take place in team building activities. These activities will hopefully make the children realizes that friends or ten times better than enemies.
Overall, Orange Middle School is doing whats needs to be done. It would be interesting to see how test scores change.
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8 comments:
Thank you for also pointing out that a highly visable police force might actually have negative effects on the students! I wrote something similar to that in my blog and most people seem to disagree. While I do understand the necessity of police, I just think that children at this age do not respond favorable to that type of police presences. Although the objective was to have people feel safe, the result is the exact opposite.
I 100% agree with you about parental involvement. Kids cannot be the best they can be unless we as educators figure out a way to get better parental involvement.
I think that when students take pride and ownership in small groups, it becomes and extended family and you work harder for each other-- could work against schoo gang problems, etc. Good post.
Well done Kristin, I agree with everything you said. Conversely, the police (not the band...) may be necessary. We do not know what goes on in those schools!
Hi Kristin! I also agree with you that teachers working together in a situation like this is very helpful. It is good that they have set up small groups. When kids can get to know you in a less intimidating environment so much can be accomplished. I hope what they are doing pays off.
You mentioned in your post that it was helpful that these educators have an opportunity to discuss what was going in the classroom. Although I agree with this idea, often times, these discussions centers on how terrible the students are doing rather than what strategies can we use to help these students. In the article, the conversation the teachers' were having seemed rather unproductive as no solutions were presented.
With regard to the police, many kids in urban areas are used to the idea of police being around. My students are actually alarmed if there is no police presence at dismissal or during a basketball game. It is not the police presence that makes them feel like prisoners but rather the fear of what might happen to them without it.
I whole heartedly agree that they have made the best steps forward for the children and their curriculum. Now it is time for the parents to step up to the plate. Why doesn't the state have a NCLB for parents?
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