Take A Look Around You

Does nearly everyone within a school community see the plight of students merely within the confines of the realm of education? I wonder. Sadly, I believe that is the case with a majority of schools with America.

We tinker with state exams, constantly assess students, create new software for educational purposes, establish 'schools within schools,' make plenty of accommodations for students, revise the manner in which teachers are evaluated and more.

Yet, when it comes to looking at the question of why students are struggling or a school is 'on the ropes,' little talk ever takes place among boards of education, state departments of education or local schools that extends to a discussion about the lack of success of a child beyond the four walls of the building.

This just makes no sense. It's as if what happens to a student and his/her ability to be educated is merely confined to what takes place within the classroom. On so many levels, that simply makes no sense.

Of course, people who are responsible for running schools and educating children will tell me that there job is to take care of the building and what happens outside of the classroom and school day is none of their business. My reply is this...If what is taking place outside of the school is harming the ability of students to learn then it is your business to attend to these matters.

Until people who run schools look at the very real factors that affect education beyond the confines of the school building and school day, those students who are facing real life challenges within and outside of the building will not progress to the extent we'd envision.

Thanks,
Dick