We’ve come a long way from the days of boring lecture halls, which seemed to be the only option for educating our children. These days, schools are undergoing a revolution – bringing in new partners who complement teachers and support healthy physical and mental development. These new allies are schools themselves, which are transforming themselves into learning hubs where students can learn and develop. Here are a few examples of what is going on in schools today.
Private schools, on the other hand, are not funded by the government and often charge students for tuition. They do not necessarily follow the national curriculum and may be run by for-profit businesses or nonprofit organizations. The primary funding for private schools comes from students themselves. Parents pay tuition for their children to attend these schools. Some schools do not even offer English as a second language. In such a scenario, a bilingual or bi-lingual educational program may be a better option.
The term school is used to refer to any educational institution, from preschools for toddlers to universities for adults. Historically, schools were only used for formal education, but today, the term refers to all educational levels – from preschool to university to graduate school. In North America, the term school encompasses kindergarten, primary school, and high school. Likewise, school has come to mean a learning center for children, and is still a popular choice when it comes to education.
The COVID-19 pandemic has galvanized new education and community allies. Now, a new generation of nonprofits has joined forces with schools and communities to contribute to children’s learning. Schools can no longer be isolated institutions; they must be at the center of the ecosystem to foster positive change. A collaborative approach to education can bring about a new era of collaboration. In fact, it may even inspire a generation of social change.
In ancient India, schools were known as Gurukuls. These were religiously-oriented residential learning schools where a teacher would teach a student how to read and write. Early public schools, however, were one-room affairs, with one teacher teaching seven grades of children in the same room. By the 9th century, these facilities were separate from the mosque. The system was standardized in the 1920s. School buses and kid hacks became a common part of transportation for students.
Public schools play a crucial role in reducing social inequalities. They also improve social cohesion by strengthening the ties between the community and the school. They are often the focal point of debate on schooling and are often a source of great concern for authorities, educators, and parents. Most schools use video cameras to monitor key areas and require picture IDs for staff members. Some schools even conduct metal detector checks. Parents should ask their child’s teacher about any safety measures that the school takes to keep students safe.
Traditional public schools, unlike private schools, must follow certain standards. Teachers must be licensed, usually by the state in which the school is located. Students in public schools do not pay tuition and attend a public school based on where they live. However, public schools are subject to a wide range of rules regarding governance, policy, and curriculum. Those standards are set by state governments. For example, the standards for teachers are set by the state where the school is located.
In a nation where school segregation is still common, creating inclusive learning environments will help children who are traditionally marginalized to achieve academic excellence. In some places, including Catalonia, Spain, schools have been incorporated into local learning ecosystems. The Educacio360 initiative in Catalonia is an example of such an ecosystem. In Western Pennsylvania, the school districts are tackling this issue with multiyear initiatives such as the Remake Learning initiative.
In Pittsburgh, a coalition of over 50 nonprofits serving families has developed a hotline for parents who are concerned about their children’s education. Throughout the city, the hotline has received over 1,000 calls in the first month. By providing families with resources and guidance, the Pittsburgh Learning Collaborative aims to increase the quality of public education by creating a more supportive environment for learning. It is an example of what can be achieved when a community works together.