"Central Park East" Reflection

1.     According to the documentary, what are the problems in education today?

Schools focus too little on individual students, and focus on large goals rather than the unique strengths and weaknesses of students. Additionally, teachers and students have little say on what they teach and learn. Instead, this is decided by the administration. Large class sizes and the lack of flexibility that teachers have concerning what they teach and the pace that they teach material makes it difficult to serve students individual needs.  

2.     What do you believe are the root causes of low-performing schools? What do you believe should be done to improve them?

      The root causes of low-performing schools include lack of individual attention for students, and limited resources. These two causes are closely related. Often, students can not receive individual attention due to the lack of resources. For example, less funding means less teachers which means larger classes. The larger the class size, the harder it is for students individual needs to be met. 

3.     How would you describe the philosophy behind the curriculum and methods used by the teachers in CPE?

The curriculum and methods used by teachers in CPE allow students to develop their own thoughts and perspectives. Each student is treated as an individual. Students move around the classroom and call teachers by their first names. The curriculum is very simple, and there is an emphasis on equality among students and teachers. Students are made to feel as though they are worthy of an education and entitled to their own thoughts and beliefs. 

4.     Teachers and the curriculum are a main factor behind student success or failure.  How does the curriculum and philosophy of schooling observed in the video match up with your own observations in schools?  What is the same and different?

The curriculum at Central Park East promotes individuality. In all classrooms that I have observed, I have always felt as though the teachers were doing as best they could to be approachable, and treat each student as an important part of the class. In addition, in the school that I am currently observing, there is a big emphasis on being a respectful and responsible member of the school community. Students are encouraged to respect one another and the school. Unlike the environment at Central Park East, the school that I am currently observing does not promote the belief that students and teachers are equal, and students are discouraged from leaving there seats. This may be due to the fact that I observe middle school classes, and students at that age may need a more structured environment. At CPE, students are not compared to one another or encouraged to compete with one another. At the school I observe, each class competes for the best behavior, and are rewarded if their class has the best behavior at the end of the week. 

5.   What do you think are the essential skills & knowledge that a young person needs to prepare for a full and productive life after high school?

Students who are tolerant of others, able to adjust to change easily, and who are curious and eager to learn will be the most prepared after graduating high school. It is not about who is smartest, or who has the most knowledge, but about who is best prepared to be a life long learner. Students who are responsible, well-rounded citizens will be the most productive after high school.   

6.     How do you believe the curriculum in our secondary schools be changed to focus on student learning of these essential skills & knowledge?

 Cultivating a strong relationship between teachers and students is a great way to begin changing the curriculum in secondary schools to focus on these essential skills. In CPE, there is an advisory period which allows students and a teacher to discuss a variety of issues and topics that are not academic in nature. This creates an environment that focus' on individual relationships, which will help students succeed in the real world. Students should be encouraged to work with one another as much as possible, and to help one another whenever they can. 

7.     Describe how parents and families can partner with teachers for student success?

 Communication between the school and home is very important. It is important to make students feel as though their life at home and their life at home are connected. Teachers should be willing to communicate with parents as often as they wish concerning their student. Families and teachers can work together to give each learner the individualized attention they need to succeed.