Book Club Chapter 1-2

The first two chapters of "Organizing Schools for Improvement Lessons from Chicago," was very interesting and informing. It discussed the importance, advantages, and disadvantages of student attendance. A study was conducted to examine a change in school with adjusted improvements. "For the purposes of this study, we developed three such indicators: the first focuses on trends in student attendance, and the second and third are based on trends in students' reading and math test scores" (Bryk et al, 2010, p. 29). Yes, attendance is important in schools, although it is not ideal for students to be on time or attend school every day. Some reasons for students to be absent or marked absent are illness, family emergency, tardiness, medical appointments, religious services, etc.

When students are absent it will hinder their achievement. With this issue, the attendance rate in Chicago school has gone down. How can they improve this? "For example, the simplest way for a school to improve its attendance is to enroll "better" students" (Bryk et al, 2010). I agree and disagree with the statement. I agree with this because "better" students will improve the attendance rate and achievement. On the other hand, what does a "better" student looks like and supposed to do? If schools sought for better students, they're leaving behind the students that do not have control over their lack of attendance. Also, those students may not be behind on their academic work just the status. Another reason why students are absent is due to the lack of safety at school. I remember attending middle/high school in my community, there would be police officers at every entrance making sure we left the premises without drama. Students from different schools would come to my middle/high school starting trouble and vice versa. Gang violence was the biggest issue and one way the school and city tried to stop this is by getting the police involved. A handful of males would come to school in the morning but leave before school ended, or not show up at all. The attendance in juvenile centers is more common than regular attendance in public schools.

 

In class during group discussions, the discussion leader of my group asked if we feel that teachers are fully responsible for students education. This was brought up when reading about the approach to improve academics in reading and mathematics. I do not feel teachers are fully responsible for students education. They're responsible for their education and academic growth in school. Out of school, it's not in their control anymore and up to the parent's to make sure the child is completing the assignments and studying. Education does not start and end at school, we learn from our environment, peers, family, and strangers. Nowadays, teachers are not as motivated or encouraged to inspire and push students to learn to the best of their ability. Some teachers just give up and work with those who understand the material, and do their assignments. There are different types of students in the classroom. I believe public schools can improve students academics by learning and adapting to different ways students can get engaged, learn, and understand the material. What do you think? Should teachers be held responsible for students education?