Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall |
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| Thursday, 01 February 2007 | |
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The Next Generation: Our Kids, Our Community
Community Forums Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall January 25, 2007 Question #1:Describe the learning environment that you don’t want in the high schools.Disengaged, uninspired. Classroom geared only to certain students I do not want a student to feel that they are not cared for (teaching the whole child)- that their education in high school and beyond is not important and that dropping out is a part of their vocabulary. Do not want overcrowded classrooms. Teachers that are there for just a pay check. An environment that is too office looking. I don’t want to see kids not performing, lock-step systems to lock out kids, parents and community, one size fits all, kids expected to learn what they already know, kid success based on time rather than performance, paper/pencil as the only way to prove students know material, kids not respected, kids not accepted JDHS x 2. One school of “has” and one school of “has not.” Fewer alternative classes (tech, AP, languages, arts). Fewer activities-sports, band, theater. A place where students are bored because the school does not have enough to offer an incredibly diverse student body. A place where students cannot connect with adults inside the school (teachers, administrators, other students). Some place that “looks” like the current JDHS. I do not want a learning environment that is militaristic or negative, or one that reflects only the dominate society or one that assumes that by merely putting up a photo of Elizabeth Pertrovich is being diverse. I do not want a learning environment that teaches with only one or two styles and that if that is not how kids learn then it is made the kids problem. I do not want a false learning environment or one that is overcrowded. Do not want a long narrow entrance. Invite teachers/administrators to say hello to students, especially the new students. Don’t want loud announcements until people are in their classrooms. Don’t want blank white walls. Artwork used to be place based and upfront. Do not want specific groups controlling the pictures or activity. Name of school on entrance. Do not want an unfriendly, unhappy, hostile environment in our schools. Cold sterile, mono-cultural, you give us your child to teach (we know best), large classes, few choices (activities, academic), separate buildings (what works- share, use data to build on what is working) I do not want a school with lack of respect, low expectations, void of culture, void of NA, racism/territorial, institutional/controlling staff, disparaging remarks, closed (campus?) to other agencies, activities I do not want an environment that is hostile or unfriendly, guidelines are reasonable and follow. I do not want an environment where classes are so crowded, kids who skip aren’t missed or there is relief because now the ones who remain can sit. I do not want an environment where success is only defined by athletics or “going to college.” Where one school is the haves and one not—by perception or economics. Students to feel lost, parents to feel unwanted or not welcome, no school spirit as one school Bare walls, unhealthy food options, pop machines, uninspiring hallways, teachers who are just doing their job (uninspired teachers), staff who are taking our youth for granted, teaching styles that mimic each other, silence. An exclusive school—an elitist-ness that makes this school a “have” and the other school a “have not.” Nor do I want this elitist-ness within the school. I do not want an institution, a cold, sterile environment, a school that does not uphold the rules of conduct or ethics, a school that does not know if a child is not present. Teachers and administers misuse of power(control) allowed and condoned; low expectations for students; kids/groups isolated by tracking; limited choice in their educational plan; lack of rich coursework; high percentage of kids dropping out. Old resources: used books, outdated information, old technology (old computer, old software), old equipment. Having a school and can’t afford good equipment or unable to do activities. Segregation—one school with a large population of one race or society. Question #2:Describe the learning environment you’d like to see in the high schools.Every child be prepared for college. Produce individual interest surveys, individual learning systems. More assessment of classes and be open to altering them. Decisions on this by outside parties. Committees on aesthetic appeal of school, student participation, teaching Alaskan history I would like to see more peer role-modeling where seniors will assist freshmen in routine. More mentor programs. Have more options to give students who are over-achievers. Have more counselors that can spend quality time with students. I would like to see an environment that is friendly and welcoming to all people. All our children are born healthy, have a healthy first five years, and enter school ready to learn. Every child has at least three adults who like, respect, care about and hold him/her to high expectations. Every day is important—by everyone. Kids are tuned in and turned on to school. The staff is aware of he importance of their job—role and believe they can help every child or find someone who can. Life in school is as exciting as the life of the “crocodile hunter.” All kids of all levels of skill are challenged and taught. A virtual classroom—why pay for books that become obsolete in six months or less. Individual students goals developed by teacher, advisors, student, and parent updated yearly so student can map education course and not fall into classes because that is all that is available. More AP courses that will assist/credit student at the college level. Tech/vocational classes that prepare for a work force/license. A computer for every student that they carry around with wireless access so that they do not have to be in a classroom but can access regardless of location in the school. Closed campus. A school that cares about learning and the importance of a high school education. A school that has the students actively engaged through their senior year (not just there for the one or two courses they need) in a challenging environment. A school that has an emphasis on vocational training. I would like the learning environment to be welcoming and comfortable to every one including shy, quiet students. I would like for the learning environment to be respectful above all. It needs to treat unruly Tlingit kids the same as non-natives. All kids are treated the same as what they offer is just as good and important as any others—unconditional positive regard. Teaches all kids in the way they learn. Captures their enthusiasm and builds on it. Shows them different possibilities outside of their usual environment and encourages them to achieve what they dream. Activities are encouraged for all. Technology is important in all classrooms and may be used to open the walls for students who are ill or need extra time to do projects. Invite organizations to visit the classrooms to tell students their needs. Tutors are on site with a tech room to help the students with math, language arts, science, and other classes. Invite parents to sit in same classes. I’d like to see parents involved in their child’s education, teachers and students very engaged building relationships, family fun events monthly/quarterly, breakfast program where students/parents/teachers can come together at the beginning of the day. Would like to see a friendly, bubbling, excited group of students, parents, and teachers, inclusive of all. Balanced high schools: ethnic—academic—activities—economic. Access to technology. Parents/students/JSD TRUE partners—input valued, views sought. Small class size. Staff diversity, staff professionalism, “culture reflecting SEAK diversity. Genuinely welcoming to students and parents. Strong, firm respectful rules with follow through. “You can do” attitude. Later start up time (9 a.m.?) The university setting (one step away): high tech, comfortable, sense of independence, current resources—books, supplies. Make our children useful. For students to think that school is like a second home and feel comfortable to be at school. Students prepared for college or work (citizenship) not only college. More vocational opportunities. Links with community without having those choosing vocational looked down upon. Where each student is noticed and missed. Where there are adequate resources for alcohol/drug abuse. Counselors available. Opportunities to redo or make-up work in a realistic manner. Physical exercise for all built in. Community members walk in and are part of it. Not two separate but maybe a flow from 9-10 in one to 11-12 in the other. Welcomes parents input for their child. Kids happy to go to school. Hopefully smaller classes and more parent involvement that makes the school spirit more obvious to the community. Wonderful library and computer lab in the center of the building. Diversity of youth sharing/expressing their talents. Variety of teaching styles and methods. Youth leading discussions/lessons. Interactive lessons. I’d like to see a school that celebrates culture, that has a pulse on local, regional, and national concerns and issues, that focuses on strengths/assets, that celebrates our elders, that reflects the pride of it being home ~ a safe place to fall, rich in language, visuals of cultures, rich in music, ideas, knowledge about the history of this community, teachers and administrators are culturally responsive. Teachers connected with community diverse resources. Wide range of rich course options that integrate current technology. Close working relationship with UAS. Reporting of progress in a way that has meaning to the students and family that celebrates success as well as progress. Question #3:Describe your student when he/she graduates from high school.
Question #4:What advice do you have for making the best learning environment happen?
High expectations for everyone. |
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| Last Updated ( Monday, 05 February 2007 ) |
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