Improving The Educational Experience

By Lindann M (England) McPheeters

There are many issues that a school board needs to address as a part of their job description. For the Santa Rosa City School Board I see three main issues that are pertinent to improving the educational experience for this community

1. Improve communication between the school communities and the public.

There has been inadequate communication about the strengths of the different schools that has allowed parents and the public at large to believe that many of the schools in this district provide a poor and inadequate education for their students. This is untrue for the most part and the Board, press and others have not done their homework in order to clarify and truly represent the academic experience of each school in the district. It is essential for the Board to make this a high priority in order to a cohesive structure to the district.

2. Removing obstacles to the educational process.

Those who work in education feel called to do just that; educate. Teachers want the opportunity to do what they were trained to do, teach. There are too many obstacles hindering the learning experience in the classroom. Students want to learn when they are given the opportunity to learn. Teachers want to teach when they are given the opportunity to teach. Too often the classroom teacher and student have been forgotten among tests, scores, money, budgets, etc. It is the Board's responsibility to protect the classroom environment.

3. Resolve the flight of students away from schools.

This issue is closely tied to the first two points. If we provide the tools and allow for the best learning possible people will not feel compelled to leave. This issue needs to be studied thoroughly. It is a very complex and sensitive issue for all involved. We must be willing to look at this and search for the root causes. It will take time and courage to do it but we must turn the tide on this issue.