By Steve Sokolewicz
BASED ON NOTES TAKEN FROM THE ARTICLE, REINVENTING HIGH SCHOOL: SIX JOURNEYS OF CHANGE, BY ADRIA STEINBERG.
For as much as change is introduced in our schools, most of the direction in which we go comes from the things that were done in the past. In order to succeed at what we do a process must be established, followed, and carried to its conclusion. As we stress the importance of our subject matter to our students let us remember that more importantly we must prepare them for a lifetime of learning and earning. All too often we get caught in the “daily grind” of our activities and forget to remind ourselves that we are needed to promote the importance a proper education has in the lives of our students.
In order to address these changes happening around us try to create a “journey map” and let’s attempt to focus on two importance questions in completing this task. First of all, what have been key influences of change over the last decade? Secondly, has the interaction between internal and external pressures acted to propel or hamper that change?
With these questions in mind let us use the “journey map” to focus our class instruction on inquiry, active learning, and personalization. By doing this we create a proactive learning environment that is enhanced by the students’ ability to reach a comfort zone to maximize learning potential.
Finally as we look to address change let us create goals for ourselves to achieve. Attempt to focus on preparing students for life after high school. While some will head to college, many others will need to select a career path. Also, let us bridge the gap between our schools and community. A community with a clear vested interest in its school will go a long way in creating a positive learning environment. Finally equity among our schools is essential. In traveling to the various schools it is clear that each of them address certain needs but a united stand should be taken when it comes to serving our youth.
In the end, it is clear that we understand our responsibility to our children. A quality education is one that best utilizes all the resources of a community. Let us strive to work together to meet those needs.
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