Chapter 12 Reflection

Post a reflection on this chapter, How Should Education Be Reformed? - 2-3 paragraphs

The authors of the text book maintains: “Some educators and politicians argue that much more needs to be done to improve U.S. schools, given that the reforms implemented to date have not led to significant gains in academic achievement. Others disagree, stating that U.S. schools are a great social achievement, educating more children to higher levels than the schools supported by any other society in the world. A number of skeptics believe that the schools-and particularly the public schools-are incapable of being reformed.” I personally disagree with the skeptics, for the simple reason that I myself needed intervention to equalize my chances for academic success. Were it not for that intervention, that being, differentiated learning, I would not have achieved the level of academic success I am now enjoying.

Accordingly, from my past experiences and vantage point, I believe differentiated learning should be mandatory for failing students. Presently, only a handful of schools are using this concept and they are experiencing greater success in comparison with standardized methods.

Ultimately, it is worth noting what a leading expert on school reform, David Kerbow, concluded in his book entitled Patterns of Urban Student Mobility and Local School Reform:  “As students transfer, and mobile students forfeit the benefit of continuity of school services ... it has deep (though often hidden) consequences for the schools these students attend and for the systemic changes intended by local school reform” (Kerbow 147-169).

Work Cited

Kerbow, David. "Patterns of Urban Student Mobility and Local School Reform." Journal of  Education for Students Placed at Risk (JESPAR) . 1.2 (2009): 147-169. Print. <http://www.tandfonline.com/>.

Chapter 11 Reflection

Outside of a teacher position, in which of the governing roles (legislator, principal, superintendent, and school board member) would you most like to serve? Why?

Outside of a teaching position, I would like to serve as a school principal. In support thereof, please see the following:

I, as Principal will provide leadership and administration which will motivate instructional and support personnel to strive for superior performance so as to provide the best possible opportunities for student growth and development, both educationally and personally.

I will be directly responsible to the Superintendent of Schools except in the areas of curriculum and instruction where the responsibility is to the Director of Educational Services.

I will also maintain direct supervision over:

1. Licensed Staff

2. Head custodian

3. Head cook

4. Secretarial/clerical staff

5. All regular instructional and other professional staff members assigned to the school.

In addition to my primary function, I shall be responsible, among other things for:

1. Developing and administering the general school routine, and coordinate all activities within the school building.

2. Participating in the selection of new teaching and classified personnel.

3. Observing, counseling, and motivating professional staff toward performances to attain the educational goals of the District.

4. Utilizing to the fullest extent possible, all available school facilities, materials, and staff service personnel.

5. Continually evaluating existing programs and practices, curriculum content, and pilot or experimental programs.

6. Maintaining an educational philosophy and school climate which encourages a cooperative and participating attitude on the part of all teachers and students.

7. Maintaining a standard of student behavior designed to command respect and minimize school and classroom interruptions.

8. Resolving student behavioral problems on buses.

9. Encouraging and initiating continued improvement in curriculum and teaching methods in cooperation with District Administration, subject area specialists, and faculty.

10. Identifying intellectual, physical, social and emotional needs affecting students’ success in school, and taking steps to direct and coordinate the efforts of teachers and parents with staff services and special education personnel.

11. Planning and submitting annual budget needs for the building to the Director of Business Affairs.

12. Maintaining effective communication to keep the staff, students, and parents properly informed.