I really liked the section called "A Plan for Action" in the Turning Points article. I think it is too seldom that we criticize a system without identifying specific ways in which the system needs to be changed. This section identifies not only teachers, principals, and others directly involved with the education of adolescents but also health care professionals, the president, private sectors, states, community organizations, and (most importantly, in my opinion) parents as being necessary components in bringing about change for schools. Emphasizing the need for many parties, big and small, powerful and lesser so, to be involved in bettering the education of our children is a bold and necessary step by the authors of this essay.
From the chapter 11 essay, I was curious if anyone knows where Wisconsin stands on their consideration of whether to recognize middle level licensure. I don't think it would be a bad idea, although I don't really know the specifics. I think it's necessary that we have classes (like this one) geared specifically toward issues involved with teaching middle school aged kids. I'm curious when these middle school specific classes were implemented at UWM and whether its only a matter of time before licensure for middle school education becomes mandated.
Also from the chapter 11 essay, particularly under the Glass Half Empty section, I thought it was interesting that all of the problems listed from Individual Differences to Economic Inequalities were issues that affect not only middle schools but the education system as a whole. I think this article would no doubt appeal to a wider educational audience as it thoroughly pinpoints areas for reform of the entire educational system.
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I agree with you that it is great to see a well rounded and critical review of middle schools and exactly how they should be changed. Like you said, it is too seldom that we do this. So many times we read an article or essay that says "this should be changed" or "we need to do something" yet they never say HOW. This one does, however. It maps out exactly what should be done and exactly who needs to be persuaded in order for it to happen. It was very refreshing!
ReplyDeleteLike you, I am also curious about when middle school specific classes were implemented and it is something I will probably do a little research on now. If I find anything, I'll post back!
I agree with your post, Erica. One thing I would like to point out is what I wrote my post about: big business influence on schools. Big business adapts to the economy and in turn influences the school institution to train kids for the business world. I would completely agree with the list of other influences on schools and school reform such as parents, health care, president, employees of the school, etc. but I would also add corporations.
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