What If...

There has been a lot of talk about education reform lately. I do not claim to know everything and I tend to see problems with a simplistic view. Thinking about the current state of educations made me think and got me wondering...

What If?

1. Teachers were treated like students. Instead of using evaluations as evidence to fire someone, they were used to help guide and strengthen that individual as a teacher.

2. Standardized tests were actually a real indicator of information students had been exposed to during lessons. These tests would then better reflect how students were progressing through school. 

3. Teachers and administrators worked together to create a strong support staff for each other and their students/community. We can accomplish more as a group then any one person can alone. 

4. Teachers and parents communicated regularly about the progress of their child. Honest communication including strengths, weakness and ways the teachers and parents can support each other. Teachers and parents need to be a team as we both strive to educate their child. 

5. Academics and athletics focused on working hard, having integrity, being respectful and dedication. These life skills will help students be successful now and in their future.  Learning how to fail and not give up are two of the most valuable lessons children can learn. 

6. We (educators, parents, community members) stopped using "this is best for kids" as a catch phrase and made sure our actions, philosophies, expectations and rules were really what was best for kids. What is best for kids may not be what they deem is best for them now, but we need to look at the long term picture. 

7. We used consequences as a tool for learning instead of punishment. Cause and effect is a vital concept for human beings to understand. When I get caught speeding, I will get a ticket. I now have to make a decision if speeding is worth the possible fine. This reasoning is a taught skill and one that will serve students well in the future. 

8. Teachers were viewed with the same amount of respect as other professions: doctor, fire man or lawyer. I believe teachers are partly responsible for the negative the negative view on our profession. We need to each do our part to showcase the wonderful activities and projects that are happening in our classrooms and schools. Most people only hear the negative news related to education. 

9. Education was actually about learning and not about politics and someone high on the food chain making lots of money. We need to be honest with ourselves, laws that are passed usually benefit some individual or group who stands to become wealthy (Praxis and Pearson). 

10.  Schools were the focal point of a community. All facets of the school were honored and valued: academics, FFA, the Arts and athletics. We need to focus on all of our students, not just the few who are standout athletes.