Routines often bring us comfort. There is a feeling of confidence when we know what to expect in places that we frequent. When we need to relax there’s nothing better than settling into a routine that will bring you the peace that you desire. Our schools often settle into systems and processes that have been used for decades. In some instances, change is a good thing.
If anything positive came from schools being forced to close in 2020 it was a change in how instruction was delivered. We were forced to embrace technology more than ever. Teachers had to be creative to ensure that students were learning even though they were not in a classroom.
In my opinion, there are ideas and systems that need to be altered. Just because something has worked for years does not mean that it cannot be improved. Everything around education is changing, what can we do to keep pace?
What can we do to better educate the students we have in our schools right now? What can be done to fight against attendance issues? While I don’t have many answers, I do believe there are things we can do to make our schools better for kids and adults.
Classroom instruction seems to be lacking when it comes to keeping students engaged. I’m not one of those people that thinks students should be entertained constantly, but nobody wants to be bored out of their minds all day. There are so many apps and programs that can be used to increase engagement, why not make the best use of them. Sprinkle in direct instruction, individual work time, cooperative learning activities, and technology and there you have it.
For as long as I can remember, there has been a “boot camp” to prepare for state testing. Often, this stretches for two to three weeks. I’m all for preparing students for state assessments, but our model, in my opinion, does more harm than good. Yes, there are several engaging ways to review, but the length of time is brutal.
While we’re talking about state assessments, I would love it if we had strong representation in our education department to do away with one test being how school achievement is measured. I’m not against assessment, but a change is long overdue. Most schools use MAP testing to measure student growth. Why is this not the most important thing in the eyes of state stakeholders? I tire of our students being used as political pawns while someone that truly does not care about education gets rich.
Meetings are another area that could use improvement. I know meetings are necessary, especially for school leaders, but can we keep meetings to thirty minutes or less. The way most meetings are run, there is no processing time. Agendas should be shared at least a day in advance and someone should keep the group on track.
There are good things happening in our schools. There are also some practices that we held on to for adult comfort. All systems can be improved, especially if the benefit is helping students to be successful. What are some things that you see in your school that can be improved?
My Life In Education… 