Purpose:
Examine and change the behavior of adults in the school system in order to reform education and excite students and their parents.
Central Messages:
1. Reengage the students and organize the parents to achieve a radical, systemic reform of the school system.
2. Teachers are the most important element of reform because change ultimately depends on them. Teachers must enact this new form of higher learning in their classrooms in order for it to be successful.
3. Educational reform from within.
4. In order for this idea of reform to be successful in the schools in the inner city, there must be a social change.
5. A common problem is the lack of effort/desire put forth by administrators and teachers to rescue these inner city schools.
Validations/Applications
1. The corporate model for reform- Rather than blaming the workers for problems that come up, they form “quality control groups” so that the employees can work together to solve the problems. This model results in solutions.
2. Teachers must apply the principle of active student learning and promote the higher order of thinking skills
3. Based on democratic ideals. Citizens of the country have an influence on the state of the nation and its decisions. In the reform, students will play an active role in decisions made for their education.
4. Remove poverty and racial isolation. Increase city’s investment in education- City’s investment in education affects the social class and racial status of the entire city.
5. An effort or desire from teachers and administrators in the inner city schools will create and maintain a positive school climate and education program.
Values:
Hard work
Responsibility
Democracy
Equality
Desire/Passion/Effort