Free Write About School Change

Premise for this entry: in-class assignment to spur discussion. This what I wrote in 10 minutes time.

I think that schools need to reform how they spend money. It is suggested by some political pundits that privatization of our schools will lead to higher standards. The government can set the standards and expect the private agencies to meet them with contracts at risk. This will create competition and lifted goals. This change is perhaps the most frightening, but I think it would work.

Further, more money needs to be spent for/by schools on public relations. PSAs and community outreach will help alienated families feel welcomed and informed. Teach families to better support their students and require higher standards.

Teachers can currently make positive changes by creating lifelong learners. Do not give assignments that encourage copying and simply looking up answers. Give opportunities for students to research topics they find of interest and hold them to very high standards. Students will strive to meet your standards.

Create a classroom environment that will make students want to participate. Find the special motivators that are unique to each student. I am motivated by feeling needed... I like it when I can help others, especially if I must be there for anything to happen. Some students are motivated by odd things like grossing other students out. Reward them by giving them an opportunity to appropriately do so.