The news article below appeared in the Columbus Dispatch on August 20, 2011:
Most Ohio high-school grads unready for college, test reveals
COLUMBUS (AP) — Results of ACT college-admission tests suggest that nearly three-quarters of Ohio high-school graduates aren’t completely prepared for college. Test results released today show that only 28 percent of test-takers in the Class of 2011 at Ohio public and private high schools met college readiness standards in English, reading, math and science. The state beat the national readiness score of 25 percent.
The Ohio graduates appear to be least prepared for college science courses. Just 35 percent of the state’s 2011 graduating class scored high enough to predict they may get a C or better in the typical college freshmen biology course.
Interim president Jon Erickson of ACT’s Education Division says in a statement that too many students are still falling through cracks in the education system.
Only 28% of high school graduates in Ohio are ready to enter college, sit down in class/indoor arena, be organized, have good study habits, complete assignments on time(one date only given in college), and take tests on their own in the core subjects of English, reading, math, and science. Granted, not everyone should go to college and/or needs to go to college to have a successful career. But still, a little more that 1/4 of the students in a graduating class can choose to go to college because they qualify?!
I remember asking a high ranking Ohio Department of Education official why high schoolers don't study American authors/poets like Hemingway, Hawthorne, Thoreau, etc. anymore and her reply---"that is for college". I was expected to already know these authors and their works by my professors. Were your professors different? Can you imagine what the professors' reactions are to this news that only 28% of the students sitting in their class are ready for their curriculum? Can you imagine what the business community reaction is to this article?
OK, those who are committed to the Panoramic View, believe in seeing the whole vista, understanding the Venn Dam diagram, and seeing the big picture first before we break it down to specifics. This education data is significant enough to get our attention and we realize it will affect the entire perspective.
Ideas and solutions. In reality, most will be long term. But some could be short term while the lasting, long term ones are being organized.
Short term ideas
Grades K-3
1. Learning styles observed, groups of children with similar styles formed and these meet during part of day for core subjects.
2. Phonics and spelling rules are taught. This is for American English.
3. Some rote learning introduced first(ABC song, counting by 2's, 5's, alliteration phrases) then concept taught.
4. Art is open ended. Children are encouraged to explore many types of medium under adult facilitation in an environment which safely allows for such exploration.
5. Music and physical education is partly open ended. Songs are taught besides exploration and recess is open ended while p.e. is more instructional.
Grades 3-6
1. Learning styles groups continue.
2. More indepth rules and structure for understanding English, reading, and math taught.
3. Art, music, and physical education continue to be part of the curriculum. Now art and music become more structured since the children understand what they are working with. Recess continues to be open ended to allow for the brain to have some "sharpening the saw" time.
4. Science and Social Studies added to curriculum.
Higher Grades
1. Teachers give a due date and stick with it. Don't keep changing the dates.
2. Teams set up for reports and presentations are a good idea but not for teenagers. They aren't mature enough. This will come at a later date.
3. Drop the current social issues in the curriculum. Kids have to deal with those everywhere else. At school they want a safety net, to feel secure. Give them other to topics to think about.
All Grades
The school year begins in January, not August/September. Think how this relates to semesters, breaks, etc. For upper grades, students don't come back from holidays to take exams. They start fresh. Winter is a good time to study. Summer could be used more effectively for certain subjects such as science, art, and physical education, letting other times of the year to be devoted to other academics. Summer could also be used for upper grade credits achieved through independent study under certain circumstances. Examples could include incorporating 4H projects with academics; a sociology report studied through a vacation(language, traditions, customs) which even differ throughout the U.S.; or a report on physics as sports research.
Teachers wear business casual, not beach wear clothes(shorts and flip flops, which I have seen). I personally would prefer traditional business for the upper grades. Remember 80% of communication is non-verbal. If the teacher isn't taking their profession seriously, why should the student?
You may have to have a dress code for children too at the beginning. It signals new day, new era. It is not my first choice, but with only 28% ready for college, you have to do something. For example, teens should not be able to wear PJ's.
Language too is important. Don't allow sloppy, which includes swear words. Business has its limits, schools has its limits. Treat yourself and others with respect.
I think having a second language is a true blessing. I am fortunate that some of my children can speak another language fluently. We also need 1 language for all to communicate with --spoken and written--and this should be American English.
Long Term:
It will be tough. The business community has said over and over again they are not happy with those that are young and coming through their doors to apply for jobs. They are slothful, demanding, and unresponsible. If we keep to the above, showing there are rules, even in reading, we have laid a foundation down that draws the basics for a culture. Without the fundamentals of a culture, you have chaos.
1. Get parents involved again in the education of their children. Consider homework assignments from the very beginning, even first grade. Along with school supply lists, add a parent volunteer list to sign up when they can be at school to help, sign a pledge to read to their child every school night, have dinner at the table 3 nights a week, etc, to ask about their school day, etc.
2. Create a local radio show. Perhaps the high school or vocational school has a media program for students. See if you can get air time at night and have a call-in talk show for parents. Monday is elementary parents night, Tuesday is middle school parents night, Wednesday is high school parents night, and Thursday is Superintendent's/Board of Education night. The idea is "connection" not "tear down".
3. Start with a handful of businesses that will go to the classrooms and demonstrate part of what they do: a chemical experiment; how to fill a grocery bag in 20 seconds with the most items; following the stock market(could be for a grading period); how to map out a delivery truck(upper grade 100 trucks) route; etc. And don't forget fast food. I believe 80% of Americans once worked at such places like McDonalds. No matter what business sector children grow up to be in, customer service will play a part. Customer service can be part of the curriculum in all grades.
4. Then get the PTO involved. Have a PTO Progressive Business Evening. Start at the school, then travel to manufacturers, architects, engineer offices, logistics, etc. whatever your town is known for, so parents can see for themselves the environments, the types of skills necessary to work there, etc. You could coordinate this with your Chamber of Commerce, Community Improvement Corporation, Port Authority, etc. Business and Education working together to keep the town strong for generations to come. Advanced manufacturing is not what it used to be. I can say from personal experience these plants are extremely clean, need people with advanced math, engineering, and science skills, and with all levels of education, not just college degrees. Include the vocational school on the tour, again so parents can see it is not what they remember this type of school to be. Businesses know what these graduates can deliver to their companies and need them. They complain they need more of these graduates. Parents need to catch up and realize this can be a good living and career for their children. Ohio now has a program where these school credits are accepted by community colleges if they want to pursue further education.
5. Some towns are having a hard time keeping their young adults. Eventually they leave for good and the town declines to a point of no return. This affects local businesses if they have no future workforce. Get on the census.gov to see how your community has been doing long term. To keep the younger generation in your area, get the young adults involved in worthy causes while you can. This possibly could affect their grades if they feel a need to be there. Also, find a way to respect them for their skills and interests. This is a tumultuous time to be sure. But finding a topic/skill where they are treated well, keeps communication open, and parents demonstrate that young people have value.
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