Voices for Progressive Education
The promise of $100 million from Facebook for education reform in Newark has sparked interest in education like never before. It has caused some of us to take stock of what we have, and where we must go. Perhaps, we should have done this before, but we are thankful for the opportunity to do so now.
After much research and discussion, some parents, educators, students and community leaders have identified certain priorities which should be the focus of the reform of Newark schools.
Turning around low performing schools must take place pursuant to a plan that is home grown and inclusive of all the people who have a stake in Newark schools. Plans that do not emanate from the parents, students and professionals who are a part of the fabric of Newark will fail.
1. Teachers are on the frontline of educating our children. But teaching has become a controversial profession, when before there was no group that garnered more respect. We must ensure that a highly effective teacher engages students in every classroom with a highly effective principal in each school. To do so, professional development must be specifically designed to cater to the needs of each teacher, taking into consideration experience and cultural awareness, using models of preparation used in highly successful schools and other districts.
2. Students complain that they are bored and that teachers don’t have great expectations. Newark education must go beyond teaching to the test, but work to increase interest in education and critical thinking through creative teaching and curriculum revision. Curriculum must be aligned with NJ core curriculum standards but go further. Teachers in conjunction with parents must be encouraged to creatively engage the student body based on the needs of the students. Classrooms must provide interesting and challenging course material, taught by well trained teachers who see great promise in the children they teach.
3. Teachers and administrators must be held accountable using data and information, including observations and opinions of parents and students. Management and unions must agree in new standards of accountability and new practices to assure fairness for educators, and success for all children.
4. The school district needs adequate resources in each school and each classroom. The recent round of budget cuts make good teaching and learning much more challenging. As interested parties, we must insist on restoration of funding to ensure sufficient, qualified and highly motivated administrators, teachers, counselors, social workers and other support staff to properly address the academic and social needs of each child.
5. Teachers and administrators must ensure safe, welcoming schools for parents and students. Parents must be seen as partners in the education of their children. To do so, schools must take the initiative to convince parents that schools have something to offer both parents and students, through information, activities and opportunities for personal growth and development. Parents must advocate for their children, and ask questions, while educators must welcome parents who as the questions.
After much research and discussion, some parents, educators, students and community leaders have identified certain priorities which should be the focus of the reform of Newark schools.
Turning around low performing schools must take place pursuant to a plan that is home grown and inclusive of all the people who have a stake in Newark schools. Plans that do not emanate from the parents, students and professionals who are a part of the fabric of Newark will fail.
1. Teachers are on the frontline of educating our children. But teaching has become a controversial profession, when before there was no group that garnered more respect. We must ensure that a highly effective teacher engages students in every classroom with a highly effective principal in each school. To do so, professional development must be specifically designed to cater to the needs of each teacher, taking into consideration experience and cultural awareness, using models of preparation used in highly successful schools and other districts.
2. Students complain that they are bored and that teachers don’t have great expectations. Newark education must go beyond teaching to the test, but work to increase interest in education and critical thinking through creative teaching and curriculum revision. Curriculum must be aligned with NJ core curriculum standards but go further. Teachers in conjunction with parents must be encouraged to creatively engage the student body based on the needs of the students. Classrooms must provide interesting and challenging course material, taught by well trained teachers who see great promise in the children they teach.
3. Teachers and administrators must be held accountable using data and information, including observations and opinions of parents and students. Management and unions must agree in new standards of accountability and new practices to assure fairness for educators, and success for all children.
4. The school district needs adequate resources in each school and each classroom. The recent round of budget cuts make good teaching and learning much more challenging. As interested parties, we must insist on restoration of funding to ensure sufficient, qualified and highly motivated administrators, teachers, counselors, social workers and other support staff to properly address the academic and social needs of each child.
5. Teachers and administrators must ensure safe, welcoming schools for parents and students. Parents must be seen as partners in the education of their children. To do so, schools must take the initiative to convince parents that schools have something to offer both parents and students, through information, activities and opportunities for personal growth and development. Parents must advocate for their children, and ask questions, while educators must welcome parents who as the questions.
