- Viewpoint: This lesson discusses standard curriculum. These standards are guidelines on what to teach the students within the state they currently live in. In one discussion, students analyze Basis High School on how they have a positive outcome in their students and how other schools can do the same.
- In what ways can the use of standards improve the educational system? Describe
- What are some of the potential limitations? List and explain.
- List and describe at least three (3) reasons why BASIS High School is the top performing public high school in the nation. Each reason you provide must be described in at least one paragraph or more - do NOT provide a bullet list!
The school as a whole has different variety students from across America that is attending. Half of the student body comes from low income families while the remainders are mixture of middle and upper class citizens’ children. Many families moved to have their children on a waiting list just have them attended this remarkable system. Within the video CCN Tonight “A Model for Better Schools,” students expressed how elated they were to be attending such a school that catered to their individual desires. Katie Woods, a student from Basis, said that “We’re not a cliquey school. We are just student that come together for the same common goal.”
Each student that attends this charter has different options of classes that can be taken. Common classes are offered like math, science, humanities, and arts, yet they are all AP (advanced placement) and IB (international baccalaureate). There are other ranges of classes one example is having students being taught mandarin and or taking traditional martial arts. Students are pushed to comprehend what they are given but also to enjoy learning. Since they already taken these courses before, then students will already have college credit.
Having a limited number of students per classroom is another benefit because scores are higher and greater student class attendance. (Garrett-Hatfield)Students in these assigned classes have more one-on-one connections with teachers. Studies that were conducted in states like Tennessee and Wisconsin third graders measured how much better their students performed than other students in larger classes. The attendances in the schools are greater since students are in an environment where they have a chance ask questions and not be overshadowed by other students. There are also less behavioral problems faced in smaller classes than in larger class rooms.
- Who is John Gatto referring to in his quote (above) as "some people"? Explain why "some people" would think that our form of schooling is "useful". Hint - you might have to do some Internet research.
Summary
The education system has governmental standards. The standards are enforced to ensure that students receive what they need to be successful in the future. The performance standards do not allow any flexibility or teachers creativity. These standards are in place to ensure student educational equality. The ability to have needs assessments geared to probe the needs of the students and their families. The minimal requirements of the standards prepare students to perform well on standardized test and be able to meet requirement and the of the challenges at the next grade level. The students who are able to pass their test at school may benefit from gaining confidence in their ability to do well in the future. It is important for students to be allowed to excel to their highest potential. The positive outcomes for student success as indicated by the standards provide an equal opportunity to have academic achievements.
Research Question
How do standards help create student success?
Research Results
Student educational goal are protected by the state performance standards. It outlines what students are to learn in each year in school and specific subject areas. According to the department of Education, the standards also define how teachers are to be trained. The teachers teach according to the standards set by each state. The test measures the outcomes of what the students have learned.
The standards help students to achieve higher grades, but the success rates takes time to increase. Performance standards ensure that students learn what they need to be successful at any school system. The standards are also important to help those with cultural and disabilities to receive education to meet their personal needs. According to Calley (2011), programs designs are implemented to provide empowerment and success. It assists in defining an individual ability to have successful outcomes. A student’s educational goals are not able to be deviated due to the performance standards. The teachers do not have the ability to be creative. The performance standards are to ensure that each student gets the same quality education.
Research Summery
Educational standards are available, so each school has written guidelines explaining the minimal requirements for students to be successful. It seems that understanding what a child needs to learn and knowing how to teach will blend well to create a successful educational program. The outcomes of the program seem to hinge on students learning what is being taught and being able to be successful about testing.
School that have financial struggles may also have difficulty maintaining standards because they do not have the ability to employ an adequate amount of teachers and the school may not have the supplies that they need to teach students and provide positive outcomes. Education standards seem to be implemented to ensure that school systems have the same level of equality and everyone has an equal chance at success.
References
Calley, N. G. (2011). Program development in the 21st century: An evidence-based approach to design, implementation, and evaluation. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage ISBN: 9781412974493
Rainey, J. "Common Core State Standards." Common Core State Standards. N.p., 9 Aug. 2013. Web. 20 June 2015.
Garrett-Hatfield, Lori. "The Advantages & Disadvantages of Class Sizes." Education. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 June 2015.
Jones, Wes. 2003 "Against School - John Taylor Gatto." Against School - John Taylor Gatto. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 June 2015.
less