Reflection: The Learning Community

Student Success Is School Success 

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As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, joy, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect. 

     The truth is that I was taking the time to reflect upon my previous thoughts, especially when I was thinking about the idea of daring to dream, and that as educators it is our duty and obligation to guide students towards this direction, with directions, instructions and referrals. This will often mean that the educator himself / herself will become the coach. The role is really dependant upon the students that are served. There will be high needs students as well as students whose families are self - sufficient, organized and understand their path.

     This is the obligation and duty of students, but what happens when the issue is larger such as systemic, or there are socio-economic factors, tensions within the familial unit or family break down? These are the external challenges that also walk into the classroom, and of course the educator will be the first to bear the issues, and again point the students towards a particular direction and make the referrals.

     Every student is unique in this sense, they all have a desire, and a purpose. No one can sit alone in their home all their life without any human interaction. No one can, unless there are health factors. Actually even if there are health factors, the person in need will still have interactions with the carers. So in this sense every single human being will have an interaction or purpose, otherwise a person begins to rot. It is like sitting still, you are not moving forward in life, the circumstances are not changing. Therefore, it is important to take small steps each day towards a goal that contributes to a purpose or even your own well - being.
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     These thoughts can also be related to a school. In an actual sense a school is a community. Students work with many different teachers, educators and leaders, all whose goal should be to see the success of students. This is where the goal of student success is expanded to the leadership, and all players in the school community. Everyone has to be on board with the goal. 

     A school structure is that of a hierarchical nature, but there also must be a shift, a "flattening" of this structure so that there is common ground between all of the front - line teachers. The teacher has the duty and obligation to point the student towards the direction of the goal, but everyone else has to also be on board with this. This is why there must be emphasis placed on a student - centered structure, and giving back equal control to students and parents, involving all who have a stake in education. These thoughts are of high concern for those students who are arriving from poorer communities, and also who face language barriers. 

     The dynamics of the student population will vary from community to community. Teachers need to understand this, and if they are not willing to serve at - risk populations or adjust teaching methodologies then they must question, is this the right school fit for me? Whilst there are very good experienced teachers who are serving, we must always remember that student dynamics and populations are always changing. 

     Example:
If there are students who will benefit from sports teams such as basketball in the school, then the school should try to serve this need. Often there may not be teachers who are available to supervise these activities. This is where creativity is needed. We have to think and wonder if there are community members willing to serve this need. There maybe un - noticed talent that will be wasted simply because there is no formal setting / team for the students. Often it is these students who also don't have the means, or resources to seek the team sports themselves.

​Dedication: The words of this being are dedicated to our students. My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand - written on April 30, 2017.
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