January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
School comparisons must take account of students
Last week I read with great interest an article by Mr. Larry Burchall that questioned why the private schools, with fewer staff, do better than the public schools. Consequently, I want to spend some time here dealing with the matter myself.
How many times and how many different ways can we say the same thing? It is the PRODUCT that greatly determines the success of any school; be that school private or public. Let me share a bit here.
In 1987, I taught at a public high school and managed quite well, with moderately academic students. That is, most of the students were non-academic, but they could reach a basic standard of knowledge and behaviour, to ensure future success. Some students were actually quite brilliant. I managed the classroom very well, and actually felt that I was on the road to success as a teacher.
In 1989, I taught at another public high school. With a bit (a very little bit) of experience behind me, I went into that school determined once again to connect with the students and add to their lives of academia. The experience was most draining. At that school, I was informed that my classroom management was not at all good. Let me add, that I was very glad I became pregnant that school year and took early maternity leave.
In 1991, I taught at yet another public high school, and it was probably the best teaching experience ever. It was a joy to go to school and teach each day. I was the same disciplinarian I had always been, and I continued to connect with students in a wonderful way.
In 1993, I changed to the high school where I taught for the remainder of my teaching career. Overall, I managed the classroom well and was able to feel that I had succeeded in the craft of teaching.
Why was the teaching experience of 1987 good, while the teaching experience of 1989 not as good? Simply put, the products, the students, were entirely different. The school of 1989 consisted predominately of non-academic and behaviourally challenged students. At the latter school, I spent most of my time, keeping students from fighting, cussing, and trashing the classroom. These children had very little, if any, interest in science.
Why was the teaching experience of 1991 simply the best? These students were not the most academic students, but because their behaviour was good, I was able to attain amazing results with them - academically. It was wonderful!
How could I have had such different experiences in our public high schools? Was I a schizophrenic teacher? No, I was me. It was the PRODUCTS that were different.
Okay, let us give the ultimate example for those who believe that the public schools are below or behind the private schools. Bermuda. Imagine. Let us take the whole population of a private school and place them in a public school, and place the public school students (equal number) into the private school. Bermuda, even if we carried out this experiment in Primary 1, the outcomes would basically be the same. All of a sudden, those wonderful numbers and success stories of the private schools would change. All of a sudden, the numbers in the public system would appear a bit better. Why? It is because of the PRODUCTS entering into that particular school.
Let me also be clear in stating that the PRODUCTS are themselves a product of their environment. I say all of this to say, that to compare the private school system to the public school system, is truly comparing two totally different types of students. Their origins are different.
Let me also add, that I have spoken to a few teachers who have switched from teaching in the public system to teaching in the private system. They now have success stories to talk about (at least in greater numbers). Is this because they have become better teachers in the private system? No. This is because they have a different PRODUCT and therefore they can administer their craft of teaching in a more effective and efficient manner.
Bermuda, let me be clear. In no way am I saying that our public system is a failure. I have one daughter who graduated from public high school and the other two are yet in this system. I would not have them in a system where they would be designed to fail, no matter what. Like most of you reading this article, I realize that we have much to deal with when it comes to improving the plight of our public schools. What I must stress is that this improvement process cannot be effective as long as we compare two systems which have totally different PRODUCTS to begin with.
Let's be fair and clear when it comes to speaking about our educational system. It is certainly the most available political football. Sadly, while we play political football with our public school system, we lose another year and another group of students to a world of challenges many are not prepared for.
Focus on the PRODUCTS. Focus on parents who really have no clue how to raise academically sound children. Focus on the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic. Focus on parents reading to their children and hearing their children read to them, rather than designer labels and the latest fashions.
Bermuda, our children are worth truth and honesty with regards to healing what is lacking in our system, so that they can stand a chance at succeeding in the world and becoming what they have dreamed of being. Respice Finem.[[In-content Ad]]
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