by Dennis Aubuchon

Created on: March 26, 2010

Our educational system is one of the best in the world yet we have schools that are failing in the results of preparing students for society.  Recently the subject has been in the news and some of the actions that have been taken seem to be out of step with how to fix the problem.  In one case at a failing school all the teachers and administrators were fired.  This is not a way to fix the problem.  Granted I do not know all the particulars in the situation but this seems to be a drastic action. 

     Addressing the issue of failing schools involves the criteria against which a school is measured.  These criteria seem to be ever changing as laws change with regards to standards established for school systems throughout the country.  These laws can be at the national or state level.  Establishing standards is great but there needs to be mechanisms to help schools achieve those standards.  Every school has a different set of circumstances and while teachers are the primary link to students they should not be singled out as the sole cause of the failure.  Schools do not fail to measure up against requirements because of a single group of individuals.    

     Every student in our school system from pre-school through college deserves to have teachers that are energized in teaching.  I have great respect for the teaching profession.  There are many great teachers who have the energy and willingness to be the best they can be for their students and many communities recognize these individuals.  It is true that schools need to be held accountable for their results but what needs to be done to turn them around is the question.

     First before any actions or decisions are made there needs to be an examination of why the school is failing.  This is not an easy question to answer.  Schools are miniature communities in my opinion and all participants have an impact on whether they succeed.  As a miniature community school systems are made up of teachers, school administrators and parents.  It takes everyone working together to help the school succeed in the education of children.  Some may say that it is the job of the schools to teach and help their students to be successful.  This is true but the learning environment is also critical along with support of parents. 

     There

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