Lessons in math, science, and reading—and tests in those skills—dominate the curriculum. While those subjects are fundamental, learning involves far more than merely acquiring inert knowledge in algebra or chemistry.
Such a narrow focus gives short shrift to the ways that children need to grow and learn in their relationships, identity, emotional understanding, and overall well-being. At the Learning Policy Institute, as part of a new initiative on the Science of Learning and Development, we synthesized these scientific findings to identify how schools can best promote child development. We identified four main ingredients of school success that allow us to care for and nurture the potential in all children: a positive school climate, productive instructional strategies, social-emotional development, and individualized supports.
In a recent national survey , only 30 percent of high school students rated their school culture positively. Many schools today are based on antiquated designs from the early s that emulate the factory model, wherein students cycle through classrooms and teachers see hundreds of students a day. These structures depersonalize learning at a time when students need and would benefit from long-term relationships with teachers and peers.
Creating a positive school climate based on strong relationships provides a bedrock for learning. Students need to feel a sense of safety and belonging in order to thrive in school. Some elements that promote a sense of community and allow teachers to know their students well include:. For example, one way to help students feel that they belong is to engage students in developing their own shared classroom norms that are posted and regularly referred to, and to assign classroom tasks so that each student is involved in supporting the community.
This is especially important for students who have received mixed or discouraging messages about their ability from adults in the past, whether due to explicit or implicit biases. Another exemplary model is the Chicago Arts Partnership for Education which places resident artists in Chicago schools. Many schools keep their finger on the pulse of their students and families: what challenges they face and what they need.
In some cases, schools also support parents through tough times. Because school funding is for students, not their parents, schools connect parents to nonprofits and in some cases build long-run relationships with nonprofits to fund and run programs such as free computer and English courses that help parents provide for their kids.
For example, Detroit Public Schools Community District operates a Parent Academy that offers free classes on everything from dealing with family trauma to starting your own business. You can read us daily by subscribing to our newsletter. Portsmouth Climate Festival — Portsmouth, Portsmouth. Edition: Available editions United Kingdom.
Become an author Sign up as a reader Sign in. Some schools have staff on hand to encourage students to get active during recess. These are my non-negotiables for schools today. However, there are also some additional requirements that I want for my children.
At the end of the day, this is my list and it remains a work in progress. We cannot accept schools as good schools based solely on test scores and school building ratings; there is so much more to a good school.
The school must fit the child and the goals of the family. Barnes , student achievement , student success. Comments are moderated to facilitate an open, honest and respectful conversation. Challenge students to rise above the bar because you know they can do it. Understand Students' Personalities— Introvert, ambivert, and extroverted personalities all have distinctive characteristics, and different areas of comfort when it comes to attending school.
Teachers must know their students' characteristics, unique learning needs, and plan accordingly to fit their learning styles best. Focus on Careers —For older students, teach them how to focus on careers with their hearts and their heads.
This type of teaching means helping students make smart decisions when it comes to college, careers, and future planning. Passion is critical, but we want our students to land a job in a field where we expect growth to occur.
The College Narrative— Our society has changed rapidly, but the college narrative has stayed the same for many years. It is important to let students know they have many choices. Also, going to college today does not guarantee a great job right after graduation. College can be critical especially for certain trained skills and potential future earnings, but it is not the single journey to success today.
The college story should match the world we live in today—one filled with options, different ways to learn, and work-study programs that can benefit students and leave them without debt. Our students need to start above the ground—they should not come out of college at such a young age with piles of debt, stress, and worry. Learn with Students —When you learn with your students, you can connect with them. You are showing vulnerability, and that can help raise a child's self-esteem.
Grow with your students, listen to their world—hear their stories. For more articles about education, please sign up for my emails here below , and follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn.
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