School is an important part of a student’s intellectual and social development. It provides a foundation for further education and careers and helps reduce inequality in society.
But schools are not run like businesses or government bureaus. To operate at their best, they must feel and be free. To achieve this, the following tips can help.
History
Schools play a crucial role in preparing individuals for the challenges and opportunities of adulthood. They provide students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to pursue higher education, enter the workforce, and lead fulfilling lives.
Schools have a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations. They have evolved to meet the needs of different cultures and societies.
Teachers and school administrators face many challenges, from a demanding curriculum to student behavior issues. They must also be aware of educational trends and practices that can lead to good or bad teaching. For example, disciplinary measures such as controlling when students can speak and requiring them to raise their hands before speaking have been shown to diminish learning. The most effective teachers understand these challenges and use pedagogical strategies to address them.
Structure
School structure is the organizational framework that defines who does what at a school. The structure of a school may vary from country to country, but most schools have the same basic elements: Office staff manage attendance, calls, and visitors; teachers organize their classes and teach students; guidance counselors support student well-being and test preparation; and janitors and maintenance staff keep the building clean.
School structures minimize some kinds of behavior and maximize others. Traditional school organization, for example, minimizes collaborative, collegial behavior among teachers and focuses on the classroom—which should be an oasis of studious calm. But children are human dynamos and when their interest is aroused, they can become wild waving bundles of energy that require the teacher’s patience to control.
Curriculum
Schools talk specifically about curriculum in terms of specific course requirements for graduation and overall offerings of classes that help prepare students for life after school. National standards are often instituted to establish a common understanding of what students should be learning and to promote academic growth and critical thinking.
A teacher may also refer to a curriculum in terms of the general guidelines that govern his or her class. These guidelines include the national standards, the teaching methods and materials, and the way in which students are assessed. These elements are considered the explicit and implicit components of a class.
Extracurricular activities
School-sponsored extracurricular activities are voluntary, school-oriented, and largely occur outside of the classroom (excluding field trips and occasionally homework or occasional work that may require time away from classes). Examples include student government, musical productions, debate, the school newspaper, service clubs, and more.
Students who are heavily involved in their extracurriculars show commitment and leadership, which impresses college admission officers. It also allows them to cultivate skills that will serve them well throughout their lives, whether they are writing blog posts or running a business.
Many extracurriculars give students the opportunity to explore their passions, and they can help them gain self-esteem as they achieve goals and overcome challenges. These activities, often referred to as soft skills or professional skills, will benefit them in virtually all endeavors for the rest of their lives.
Culture and values
School culture performs a number of key functions. For example, it can encourage staff members to collaborate more closely with colleagues or provide a structure that helps students identify with the school.
It can also influence a school’s values and beliefs. For instance, effective schools often place a strong emphasis on student achievement. These schools might also highlight the importance of family involvement in the education process.
School leaders who understand the value of a healthy culture can reinforce these values through actions and behaviors that support the goals of the school. For example, reaffirming core values during staff meetings and regularly celebrating them can help students and teachers maintain a strong culture that is consistent and unified throughout the year. Then, everyone can work together to achieve success.