EDF 2005

Chapter 3

Challenges of School Reform

Change: Educators’ Constant Companion

Is change comfortable?Education changed by social and political environmentsRate of change is fast

Cultural changes (ethnicities, languages) Backgrounds & abilities Technological changes

Discussion: Affluent vs. non-affluent homes – Public school responsibility?

Education as a political platformTeachers MUST stay informed…

Systemic Reform

A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Educational Reform (National Commission on Excellence in Education, 1983)

Education in past was excellent Education now is poor – settling for mediocrity Data does not support this document Debates on educational improvement – Who decides? Is accountability necessary? What about standardization? – Is there such a thing? What do low scores indicate?

Systemic Reform

Definition: Responding proactively to multiple issues Outcome goals School choice Redesigning teacher responsibility and

compensation Implementing federal Comprehensive School

Reform Demonstration programs

Systemic Reform

Outcome Goals Emphasize results or effects of instruction Former emphasis on Input Goals

Isn’t it more realistic to focus more on what is coming out of schools rather than what is being put into them?

Input is important, but outcome determines effectiveness

School ChoiceAllowing parents to decide what school is best for their children rather than going to the one in their attendance zoneProponents conclude: Product (students’ education) will be made

better through competition for clients (learners) Schools can focus on one area rather than

manyDiversity can spread schools too thin with effective deliverySchools cannot possibly respond to all needs of all students

School Choice

Advantages: Learners from low-income families can avoid

“mediocre” schools Families will have increased interest because

they are actively involved Competition leads to improved quality Students will be at an advantage because the

school they are in has been chosen to fit their needs

School Choice

Voucher Plans Monies allocated for students moves with that

student Debates arise over public vs. private

schooling using the voucher system

School Choice

Voucher Plans Supporters:

Provide a way for parents and students to find a balance between public and private benefits

People can make decisions rather than decisions being made for them

For competition to thrive, alternatives should include public and private schools

People in lower socio-economic environments will have same opportunities as others

School ChoiceVoucher Plans

Critics:Parents will focus more on issues rather than quality of academics

Culture of school Beliefs about teachers and staff Test scores

Alternative schools will be created to meet needs of low-income families

When vouchers are used, religious schools are the dominant choice

Vouchers (public tax monies) are used to pay for private schooling

Eventually, public schools will have only “leftovers”

School Choice

Charter Schools Semiautonomous public schools Free from excessive regulation Proponents:

Same arguments as voucher plans

More cost-effective due to control of money Opponents:

Money is taken away from school system

Supporters exaggerate problems with the school systems

Research has shown less satisfaction with charter schools???

School Choice

Open-Enrollment Plans Similar to voucher plans without tax dollars

being given directly to parents Administration has final say to maintain

control over racial balance, etc.

Magnet Schools Focus on a particular theme (science, arts) Entry requirements

Redesigned Teacher-Compensation Schemes

Knowledge and Skills-Based Pay Salaries are beginning to increase as a result

of need and accountability Teacher performance can lead to salary

increases

Merit Pay Should academic performance of students

determine salary increases of teachers?

Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration Programs

Read on your own (P. 71-72)

No Child Left Behind Act of 2001

Public Law 107-110 (2002)Basic principle is ACCOUNTABILITYOutlines what all students should learn at each grade level based on state standardsSchools required to meet AYP standards Progress in all subgroups

Provides data – Data leads to accountability – Accountability leads to parent optionsHighly qualified teachersAYP Reports: http://schoolgrades.fldoe.org/default.asp

School-Business Partnerships

Others taking interest in schools

Stakeholders with input Colleges and universities Developers? – Reciprocated?

Tech-Prep Programs – Vocational Ed.

School-to-Work Opportunities Act

Full-Service SchoolsBringing all support services to one locationThe one stop shop approach – “Wal-Mart philosophy of service” (Mabry, 2006)

Day-to-day education and instruction After-school care Medical and dental services Adult education for parents Family and social services support Legal services Substance abuse treatment Counseling services Emergency treatment

Liability?

(Wagner, 2000)