Post #3

I truly believe that it takes a village to educate children and implement education reforms.    A commitment to positive and systemic change must be priority from federal, state and local stakeholders.  In school reform common ground must be reached so that reform goals can be communicate and achieved.   The NCLB reform is a prime example of forcing school change without hearing input from state and local entities. The premise of this reform was that our school systems were broken and the federal government could force solutions.  A top down approach will not solve a school reform issues, it will mask it, but not change it.  Local school boards and communities need to have a voice in reform efforts.  NCLB identifies many schools as failing, yet academic growth is not rewarded in this system.  Parents are misled by the label forcing the local district to do damage control. 

Local boards, parents, teachers, and student should have proactive voice in reform issues, and not limited to a reactive voice after the reform is implemented.  These groups have been held at bay at one time or another in our history.  In education we strive to build learning communities for the betterment of the education of children, the voice of teachers, parents and students, strengthen that purpose. 

I believe whoever the stakeholders are they must be advocates for children and their moral compass must direct them towards the best decision for all children, not just those that surround their communities.  Those who are the voice of children must speak with an influential voice, seek collaboration from all levels of government, and build trust with those they are working with.  For reform to have an impact, trust must be established. 

The David school is refreshing, students have a voice and adult are listening.    I would describe this school as inclusive and willing to meet the needs of all students.  Both Chris and Cody have expressed their opinion and it has not fallen on deaf ear.  Each has fallen behind and received help, and they have received praise for effort and growth.  There is more to reform than an accountability rating – the David school is succeeding.