Despite the recent attention brought to the idea of making school more personal by spending additional state monies into creating schools within schools, one needs to look at the reasons why schools are not connecting with students.
It is true that large schools have a difficult time “being personal” with students, and that specialization in some areas, namely in math and science, offers benefits to certain students.
However, there is an underlying problem within schools and education. The system has been set up to make it difficult for teachers to be authentic with their students. In other words, for a teacher to be more personal with students, they need to find ways to connect with them. The system has been created in a way that says, “I’m the teacher and you’re the student. I’m right and you’re not.” That mentality has been around for decades within our system and doesn’t breed students who want to have personal relationships with their teachers.
A purposeful attempt by administrators and teachers to “be real” with their students will go along way in creating an authentic atmosphere. One way is by showing that leaders sometimes make mistakes. When administrators make a mistake, they should admit the mistake and work to correct it. Likewise, teachers should do the same. Grade the test wrong, correct it. If students aren’t clear on instructions, repeat them until they get it.
Another way administrators and teachers can create a more personal environment for students is to paint a new picture of hope every day. Over the course of the day, by the time the picture of the school day arrives home, it will either be filled with flattering images or the canvas will be soiled with the stains of the day.
One way is to simply acknowledge students. It doesn’t have to be an invitation to discuss what you did over the summer, but a simple “Hello” when the student enters the building or classroom or passes by the hallway.
Another practical way to “be real” with students is to offer to help. At the beginning of a school year, students in large schools need GPS systems to find their classes. A friendly face of a teacher guiding them in the right direction will go a long way.
Schools must also preserve the student and family experience. High school is a great time for students to make memories that will last a lifetime, and encouraging a family environment among all members of the school will make students proud of their school. Also, the more students and their families are engaged in the school, the better the school will be. Families who are involved in the school become more invested in the school’s success.
Giving students and their families hope doesn’t cost any money, nor does it involve the creation of any new schools or academies, just some basic common sense. If you want to create schools within schools, go ahead, but before you do so, try having teachers and parents work together to do what is best for the students — the students just might buy in.
