New Report Provides Suggestions for Improvement
The National Center for Education Accountability issued its latest research about quality in schools (July, 2006). The study identified over 200 schools labeled as excellent, a number that included many public schools. Here are 4 suggestions from that research for schools to consider:1. Lure borderline students into advanced courses.
Expectations become reality when students are labeled. Quality schools challenge all students with demanding coursework that elevates the expectations they have for themselves. From the faculty’s perspective, challenged students are more productive and engaged.
2. Give average students rich curricula.
It is a mistake to believe that students are disinterested in learning because of all the outside influences and options. Education needs to be more creative with the classroom environment. This doesn’t imply providing more entertainment; it implies creating opportunities for students to be engaged.
3. Give students tailor-made teaching.
People are not widgets. Manufacturing can create strategies to improve productivity and outcomes because their tasks are predictable. Tailor made education is not synonymous with “do what you want.” Teachers provide the guidelines for learning, for outside assignments and projects in a course syllabus at the beginning of the year (much like a college course). Students work within those guidelines to produce meaningful educational experiences as the teachers coach his or her progress through the school year. Evaluation is frequent and directed at the task, not the ability to memorize lessons.
4. Get students “looped.”
Students are team taught by the same circle of teachers for several grades rather than “one year and out.” Knowing that you are committed to a person’s growth for the next several years helps teachers create continuity for learning and identifying students’ needs. Students develop working relationships with teachers that are long-term and more accountable.
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