Chapter 3 Challenges of School Reform EDF 2005 Chapter 3 Challenges of School Reform

Change: Educators’ Constant Companion Is change comfortable? Education changed by social and political environments Rate of change is fast Cultural changes (ethnicities, languages) Backgrounds & abilities Technological changes Discussion: Affluent vs. non-affluent homes – Public school responsibility? Education as a political platform Teachers MUST stay informed…

Systemic Reform A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Educational Reform (National Commission on Excellence in Education, 1983) Education in past was excellent Education now is poor – settling for mediocrity Data does not support this document Debates on educational improvement – Who decides? Is accountability necessary? What about standardization? – Is there such a thing? What do low scores indicate?

Systemic Reform Definition: Responding proactively to multiple issues Outcome goals School choice Redesigning teacher responsibility and compensation Implementing federal Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration programs

Systemic Reform Outcome Goals Emphasize results or effects of instruction Former emphasis on Input Goals Isn’t it more realistic to focus more on what is coming out of schools rather than what is being put into them? Input is important, but outcome determines effectiveness

School Choice Allowing parents to decide what school is best for their children rather than going to the one in their attendance zone Proponents conclude: Product (students’ education) will be made better through competition for clients (learners) Schools can focus on one area rather than many Diversity can spread schools too thin with effective delivery Schools cannot possibly respond to all needs of all students

School Choice Advantages: Learners from low-income families can avoid “mediocre” schools Families will have increased interest because they are actively involved Competition leads to improved quality Students will be at an advantage because the school they are in has been chosen to fit their needs

School Choice Voucher Plans Monies allocated for students moves with that student Debates arise over public vs. private schooling using the voucher system

School Choice Voucher Plans Supporters: Provide a way for parents and students to find a balance between public and private benefits People can make decisions rather than decisions being made for them For competition to thrive, alternatives should include public and private schools People in lower socio-economic environments will have same opportunities as others

School Choice Voucher Plans Critics: Parents will focus more on issues rather than quality of academics Culture of school Beliefs about teachers and staff Test scores Alternative schools will be created to meet needs of low-income families When vouchers are used, religious schools are the dominant choice Vouchers (public tax monies) are used to pay for private schooling Eventually, public schools will have only “leftovers”

School Choice Charter Schools Semiautonomous public schools Free from excessive regulation Proponents: Same arguments as voucher plans More cost-effective due to control of money Opponents: Money is taken away from school system Supporters exaggerate problems with the school systems Research has shown less satisfaction with charter schools???

School Choice Open-Enrollment Plans Magnet Schools Similar to voucher plans without tax dollars being given directly to parents Administration has final say to maintain control over racial balance, etc. Magnet Schools Focus on a particular theme (science, arts) Entry requirements

Redesigned Teacher-Compensation Schemes Knowledge and Skills-Based Pay Salaries are beginning to increase as a result of need and accountability Teacher performance can lead to salary increases Merit Pay Should academic performance of students determine salary increases of teachers?

Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration Programs Read on your own (P. 71-72)

No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 Public Law 107-110 (2002) Basic principle is ACCOUNTABILITY Outlines what all students should learn at each grade level based on state standards Schools required to meet AYP standards Progress in all subgroups Provides data – Data leads to accountability – Accountability leads to parent options Highly qualified teachers AYP Reports: http://schoolgrades.fldoe.org/default.asp

School-Business Partnerships Others taking interest in schools Stakeholders with input Colleges and universities Developers? – Reciprocated? Tech-Prep Programs – Vocational Ed. School-to-Work Opportunities Act

Full-Service Schools Bringing all support services to one location The one stop shop approach – “Wal-Mart philosophy of service” (Mabry, 2006) Day-to-day education and instruction After-school care Medical and dental services Adult education for parents Family and social services support Legal services Substance abuse treatment Counseling services Emergency treatment Liability? (Wagner, 2000)