Issue Position: Strengthening Our Schools

Issue Position

A study conducted in Chicago found that the only difference between which schools succeed and which schools fail was the externalities facing the students. The lead author, Anthony Bryk wrote, "When the density of problems walking through the front door is so palpable everyday it virtually consumes all your time and energy and detracts from efforts to improve teaching and learning."

The researchers found that wraparound services are key to school improvement. Yet, our models for turning around schools basically ignore these strategies. I agree with the President and Secretary Duncan that we ought to shake up the status quo and fix our schools. That means finally funding the initiatives that combat poverty, provide teachers and leaders with the support they need, and promote collaboration with the community.

I did my own research and wrote a report called "Strengthening Our Schools," which pulls together all of the research on school improvement and provides a framework for improving schools.

First, it emphasizes collaboration and focuses on the flexibility needed to come up with a solution that fits that individual schools and districts. Teachers, principals, parents, administrators, community leaders and businesses all need to be united. Because every community is different, every solution should be different as well.

Second, it removes barriers to student success by viewing wraparound services as essential. Many of the students in our lowest performing schools can't focus on learning because they are hungry, they are abused at home, or they can't understand their teacher. Two-thirds of the achievement gap is due to factors outside of school.

Third, it fosters the development of teachers and school leaders. One of the most important factors in a student's education is their teacher. We need systems where principals learn how to instruct and prepare their staff. Teachers need access to professional development programs that expose them to new, proven techniques and help them connect with special students.

Source