School is where children spend a major part of their lives. It is where they learn to read. But when social promotionwhich lets the good and the bad pass to the next gradedoes its workthe school becomes a showcase for dishonesty.
Schools ought to be a place of studious calm. There should be hospital quiet and physical calm matched by mental calm.
Socialization
A major goal of socialization in schools is to help kids develop abilities that promote self-assurance and independence. These abilities are crucial for navigating the uncertainties of new experiences, like the first day of school or meeting strangers. Kids who possess a sense of resilience are more likely to embrace risky activities, be open to unfamiliar people, and use their judgement when making decisions instead of just following social conventions.
The socialization process also helps kids become more accepting and understanding of different people and cultures. Exposing kids to various individuals with varied backgrounds, traditions, and worldviews instills an appreciation for diversity that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Educators can also encourage academic socialization by partnering with families. Caregivers play a crucial role in their adolescents’ perception of schooling, especially during middle and high school. They can do this by preparing their teens for classroom expectations and modeling learning as an adult. They can also help their kids form meaningful friendships that will provide a support system outside of the family during significant life events like beginning school or attending their first recital.
Discipline
School discipline refers to the rules, behavioral strategies and punishments applied in schools to manage students’ misbehavior and encourage self-discipline. This ranges from positive and evidence-based approaches, such as restorative justice, to those that are harmful, including expulsions, in-school and out-of-school suspensions, corporal punishment and seclusion.
Many schools struggle with discipline issues due to teacher resignations, a lack of training and inconsistent approaches. This is often exacerbated by the fact that teachers are required to deal with discipline issues in a classroom environment where they have little or no support.
Fortunately, educators can help to fix these problems by creating and implementing safe, supportive learning environments with equitable discipline policies and practices. These can help to reduce the negative impact of harsh punishment on students’ social, emotional and academic development. To achieve this, they must be implemented with a focus on developing educator capacity and using a race equity lens. They also need to be well-aligned with federal and state discipline guidelines.
Community
Many families and community members report that they want to be more involved in their children’s schools. However, they cite busy schedules, lack of childcare, language barriers and dissatisfaction with school communication as the reasons why they aren’t currently engaged.
Creating opportunities for two-way collaboration between schools and their communities is key to building meaningful relationships that benefit students, teachers, and the community as a whole. When students feel a sense of belonging, they are more likely to stay in school and engage with their academics.
Wraparound services that help students and their families meet basic needs are often part of the fabric of community schools. This includes nutrition programs, mental-health counseling, and health care, among others. In addition, community-based organizations and businesses help broaden the educational and experiential scope of learning. This makes schools community hubs and promotes the well-being of families, students and the surrounding neighborhood. Ultimately, this helps alleviate the challenges that keep children and their families from succeeding in school.