Part 1: Schooling models
Presently in USA, several models of schooling are prevalent. These are - public schools; including charter schools, magnet schools, public schools choice programs, private schools, independent schools, parochial schools, proprietary schools and home schools. As a stakeholder to the development of society, it is important for everyone to be aware of the different schooling models in existent . Through this presentation, the focus is on the establishment of a concise comparative picture of relative success of these models.
Types of schools selected
Government’s policy, ‘No Child Will Left Behind Act’ ensures all students irrespective of race, custom, gender, disability status, migrant having limited English knowledge will attain expertise in reading and writing English language and Mathematics by the end of the school year 2013-14. In accordance to the policy, it was important to interview two teachers to obtain their perspectives about education.
a. What are the most important issues you currently face in ensuring all students achieve their potential?
b. How are you addressing these issues?
c. What role does technology play in classrooms to support teaching and learning?
d. If you had to choose one subject area that your students need the most support in mastering, what would it be?
e. What do you see to be the most important skills to be taught?
f. How would you identify 21st-century skills?
g. How would you describe the teaching in your classroom?
Teaching B: Teaching has changed a lot where there is more use of technologies and other supports to enable a practical oriented teaching.
h. What role do you see students having in the teaching and learning process? Teachers?
i. How has teaching changed over the years?
A: Advances in technology has a great impact on methods of teaching, where computer classes become necessary. The popularity of video games and other visual effects has accustomed the children in learning visually. Children are facing fast paced and ever changing things.
B: Influence of internet has changed the models of teaching. Teachers are using the web to create lesson plans, best practices and development of professionalism. Teachers are now having sources that are more primary and options in teaching.
j. What are the key issues you currently face?
A: This accounts in introducing modern technologies, designing new models in teaching, and leanings that are more practical.
B: Though new technologies are present, there is the necessity of more professional teachers to implement these new technologies to the students.
Part 2: Interpretation and Presentation of information
Between schools, points to consider:
Recognized state or regional bodies, and practices non-discriminatory policies accredit most of the private schools.
In parochial schools, the students do not need to be Catholic or Protestants but have to attend religious classes and prayer services.
Total Population/Demographics:
Key Issues:
The key issues faced by these elementary and middle schools are classroom size and applications of new technologies. Some of the students are below poverty line, and bullying attitudes and behaviors of the students, involvements of parents and funding are the other issues.
Role of Technology:
There is a necessity to build up new technologies so that it will ensure in improved education to all students, more practical, and student oriented learning.
Summary
All the above discussions state that as a teacher the individuals have to implement various new technologies in school to make the students aware of the 21st century skills. The teachers need to be more aware of these modern technologies, build up their own professional skills and to help the students to grow up and to cope with their future . My philosophy in teaching accounts for a more student-oriented attitude in learning, where there will be no pressure especially in the case of children. Bullying a child will only reduce his or her capability. The new areas to explore are to develop the 21st century skills, and as per the thinking of the teachers, my idea correlates with them. To address the issues relates in increasing more number of classrooms, implementing more strategies to use modern technologies in learning and teaching tom ensure that no child is left behind in learning. To improve in teaching and to ensure more student oriented learning require in reducing the student teacher ratio. The teachers ought to learn more technical skills, and needs personal development. Integrating new technologies will certainly help in addressing these issues, evaluating student’s performances, critical thinking flexibility and increasing communication among teachers’ students and parents . The ISTE standards for teachers sets the standard for evaluating the skills and knowledge of school administrators and the leaders which will help in learning in this digital age, using technology and changing the modes in instruction. From the study, it is clear that both the schools need proper implication of ISTE standards for the teachers to ensure proper development and usage of modern technology to support learning. There will be no failure among the students, and they can have the efficiency to cope with the 21at century skills.
References
Bellanca, J. & Brandt, R. 21st century skills. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press, 2010.
Hilton, M. Exploring the intersection of science education and 21st century skills. Washington, D.C.: National Academies Press, 2010.
Strogilos, V., Lacey, P., Xanthacou, Y. & Kaila, M. "Collaboration and integration of services in Greek special schools: two different models of delivering school services." International Journal of Inclusive Education 15.8 (2011): 797-818.
