REAL & MEANINGFUL CHANGE: I was interested in the school grades recently published by FLDOE. I reviewed the results of neighboring school districts. I am convinced that schools in the 21st century should be a resource that changes the community. We must redefine what urban leadership looks like and find new and innovative ways to engage these communities. Nowadays, we talk about PLCs as it relate to the professional staff. However, I am persuaded that where appropriate, we need to talk in terms of PLCs (parent learning communities) in struggling school communities which would directly impact the social, emotional and academic needs of students. We know how to partner with agencies in ways that create community partnerships, wherein we bring together social, business, medical, religious, educational, and civic organizations that are committed to supporting and partnering with these struggling schools. These organizations would make themselves available to address and support educational goals and family needs throughout the year. Students and parents would have instant access to these support groups. Support at this level would also help slow gang activity and facilitate the creation of learning communities. This strategy also combines the collective wisdom of the entire village. Struggling schools could be broken down into small academies to impact and offset some of the deficits that students bring to our schools. We know that the environment in which many of our struggling schools reside play a major role on the importance placed on achieving an excellent education. Therefore,we must clearly redefine what urban leadership entails for these communities. An immediate target of PLCs would be prenatal education for parents. Additionally, teams of carefully selected teachers would be placed at all struggling schools and at all grade levels. Teachers would teach the same group of students over multiple years. Some schools could be broken down into small learning academies. A select group of schools would serve as models for this new approach. All of the above would all be an effective place to start. Infusing the latest and greatest technology tools into these schools would increase student engagement, it would also serve as a competitive means of integrating hybrid learning opportunities. Moreover, create and establish local hot lines and web sites, messaging centers, for crisis and family help lines. Increase Head-Start, VPK and early intervention programs by combining funds and resources which could significantly change the game early in the lives of 3-5 year olds. These are but a few things that are very powerful in changing the course of struggling schools. These strategies are effective and sustainable.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 00:41:56 +0000