Chapter one opens with a definition of 'effective school.' Interestingly enough, it is also repeated on page 15. Without a true understanding of what effective schools are, how they progress, and what is required of a staff, it will be hard to follow and comment on this blog. SO, here's a definition according to, What Effective Schools Do: Re-Envisioning the Correlates. "The effective school is characterized by high overall student achievement with no significant gaps in that achievement across the major subgroups in the student population. The effective school is built on a foundation of high expectations, strong leadership, unwavering commitment to learning for all, collaboration, differentiated instruction, and frequent monitoring of student progress," (2011, p. 15).
While I was initially turned on to this book by my principal, I can't help but notice the significance of the work and the ability of the messages to be applied to higher education and workforce education. While studying at CSU, I'm constantly driven by amazing class facilitators to collaborate, to fulfill high expectations of self-directed learning outside of the classroom, and to recognize and address the varying learning styles amongst ourselves, or future students. With the AET degree, we have the ability to teach, facilitate learning, or mentor "learners" in a million settings. What has intrigued me throughout the program is the number of ways each of us envisions using the degree. Students will continue working to educate employees of corporate America; some will strive to stay on top of their careers at local community colleges; still, others will take educational leadership roles and positions we've yet to discover.
While the need for education varies, the strong pillars remain: "learning-for-all mission, the focus on results, and the twin pillars of quality and equity," (p. 15).
Looking back at the definition for effective schools, how could these core concepts relate to your employer? Future employer? Life experiences?
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI think to your book's definition of an effective school should be added, "a commitment to transformative learning and to fostering self-directed learning." Would be interested to hear your thoughts on this.
Sandy
Hi Sandy,
ReplyDeleteYes! Thank you for the comment. Often times we are presented with great information, but small adjustments are needed to succeed in an individual's classroom. Self-directed learning implies the teacher is a life long learner, constantly reassessing what's working and effective, and striving to give each student an equal educational opportunity.
Thanks for your help,
Ashley