Another semester is coming to a close and it marks the half-way point of my final year at PCHS. As I watch my department members hectically grading essays and projects I am again reminded that with all the changes in education we are essentially staying the same. CCSS are bringing major changes to the way we teach and assess but the model we work within remains the same.
The time has come for open discussion of what works and what doesn't in our school. Do we really need to begin school in mid-August and end in May or early June? Must we have nine week grading periods with exams worth 25% of the grade? Should final exams be punishment based (failing a quarter, missing 4 days or more, tardies to class)? Where does a school begin to change? How is a climate of openness and trust developed?
1. Communicate a vision for school purpose that is not verbose but is a short, to the point statement that clearly explains why we are here. Evaluate and repeat often. Call attention to those activities which are supporting the vision and privately move to change those that aren't. This will probably mean an intense discussion of 'leadership' and all the wide variety of styles. What type of leadership is needed for PCHS?
2. Create a climate of openness. This is not just for teachers and staff but also for students, parents and community leaders. Leadership teams should be seeking newer, cheaper, and better ways to educate. This team should never use the word "can't." Seeking "how" should be there goal. This team should not be afraid of allowing all stakeholders to see the good, the bad and the down right ugly. Educate them and seek their counsel. A concluding reference to leadership must be added; nothing happens without strong, confident leaders who can glean the best kernels and create a proposal.
3. Evaluate all functions of the school to insure the systems are working properly and supporting the school vision. This means all extra-curricular programs need to be looked at in terms of meeting the school vision. Drop those that don't meet the vision and add those that would. This means all school attendance data must be taken into account; all referrals must be tracked and categorized by type, location, time and those involved. This means a clear decision must be communicated on the importance of meeting learning goals vs. graduation rate. This means (redundancy intended) making sure the curriculum clearly supports the vision and is constantly undergoing revisions as necessary skills change. This means a commitment to programs that cost money, don't have large enrollments, that do prepare students for jobs that require skills but not a college degree. This means making the school a safe place for everyone and having a safe place for those whose clear intent is disrupt the learning environment for others to take classes.
This is a beginning, now, let the discussion begin.......................
