There's a lot of trash talk about teachers. Many point their fingers at teachers as the problem with education today. Similarly many point their fingers at students, families and society too.
If teachers, students, families and societies aren't the problem, then what is?
I believe that the single greatest factor that stands in the way of betterment for schools is school structure. I think that schools can move towards structures that make the way for greater success, and once structures are improved, there will be less finger pointing at all the people who make up schools.
Where does one start when it comes to structural change? Start with what's not working today, and in the past.
Engagement. When I was in school, there was a group of children left out. This was before special education laws were put into place. These students left school disgruntled and upset--school was a terrible experience for them. School structures should ensure engagement because we know that happy, confident students who feel they belong to a learning community, thrive. So structurally speaking, how can we better create schools that foster engagement.
Academic Excellence. How do we structure schools so that both teachers and students learn and work with excellence? What structural components are missing to reach this goal. Greater time for teacher collaboration, professional development, thoughtful response and coaching would help in this regard.
Research and Development. In what ways do schools make time for research and development--the act of moving ideas from research into the classroom and a continual process of trying out new strategies, tools and practice to make education meaningful, responsive and profitable?
Physical/Emotional Structure. How does the physical structure of a school building or learning community enhance education, and where does it stand in the way? Are students comfortable each day? Do they feel safe? Do teachers have the kinds of spaces they need to do their jobs well, and do students have the right kinds of spaces for optimal learning? Are mistakes and exploration welcome?
Leadership, Student and Teaching Roles and Responsibilities. Are roles and responsibilities reasonable and targeted? Would an audit of roles and responsibilities reveal that some tasks could be retired, streamlined or revised for better effect? Should roles be streamlined too by giving each professional fewer tasks, but tasks that are more specific requiring greater expertise in skill development or interdisciplinary project work? Do leaders have roles that are manageable and productive, or do their roles still reflect schools of old?
Student, Family Support. Do community structures support schools well? Do students receive adequate access to preschool education and care? Do families receive the supports they need to provide well for their children with regard to safe environments and basic needs? Are there ways for families to gain the academic supports they need in order to help their children succeed?
Teachers are not the problem. Families, students, communities and leaders are not the problem either. I believe the problem lies in the current structures in place in many schools and school systems. A keen evaluation of the structural elements of school would help us all to target our work and effort with a focus on student learning, and that work would serve to hone our skills and craft as parents, teachers, learners and leaders as well.
It won't be perfect, and there will always be students, families, leaders and teachers who struggle and may not be able to do the job well, but before finger pointing and foisting blame, look at structure first and make changes so that conditions for excellence and apt evolution exist--that's an effort that will prove to enrich our learning communities and encourage all who work and are served by them.
