Priority Education in Alabama

In July 2001 Alabama’s State Departments of Education invested in 7 schools in the southernmost part of the state. The 7 schools slated had fallen significantly when it came to standardized test scores and were in need of new leadership and policy implementation. Ten years later due to community partnership and parent engagement the schools were scoring at or above the level of other schools in the state.

What is it that contributed positively to this small haven of successful schools?

1. Focus on discipline: There were a few major problems faced by the school in terms of discipline of their students. Having 17 year old students in classrooms with 8th graders can be problematic for both the older students and the middle-schoolers. Both parties work more and strive for success when in their “zone of proximal development”. The school also believes that, “part of establishing discipline involves instilling in students a respect for the school grounds”. Encouraging students to care for their school can work wonders when attempting to discipline them to aim for success.
2. Parental Engagement: With the State Department finally in the throws of school, principals realized that parental engagement was low. In order to increase this, the administration showed parents that they were a welcome part of the school community. This meant sending home newsletters and bulletins, keeping parents up to date with student progress, and training teachers in parent communication. Convincing the parents that they can do it is a crucial first step in increasing engagement.
3. Lastly Community Outreach: partnership within the local community sets up necessary role models to encourage students and set them up for success. Law enforcement officers, bussinessmen, and faith based organizzation memebers all take time to step into the classroom and form relationships with studnets. This keeps kids off teh streets, and out of violence and drug based activity. Seeing someone in person with a ajob you dream to attain can be very significant in encouraging a child

“They learn about scholarships, grants, and academic requirements, and start to realize that college is a very achievable dream — as long as they stay focused on academics”.

Overall these schools have seen success by tapping into the needs of their students. In better understanding student needs, it has made it possible to encourage them and prepare them for what follows their primary education experience. Just as we have seen success in Finland, Germany and France, this article proves that there are success in little pockets on the U.S. as well. If we look to those examples it is possible to achieve better more equitable education for the whole country.

http://www.nea.org/home/37115.htm