Every parent wants their kids to love school and learning. Teachers can usually sense it—and when they do, students often thrive.
But sadly, too many schools don’t provide the academic rigor and comprehensive supports that children need. Too many are de facto segregated by race and income. And too many seem impervious to reform from within.
History
Schools have long been part of society, a place where individuals can learn to read, write and count. Schools also teach responsibility by requiring students to meet deadlines and complete assignments on time. When students graduate from school, they will likely have jobs that require them to apply these skills.
Horace Mann is credited with inventing the modern school, but his invention was the culmination of many societal factors. Earlier, ancient cultures aimed to develop systems of education for the purpose of spreading religious values and teaching useful skills.
Nineteenth-century city schools had wealthier families residing alongside poorer residents, and efforts were made to improve sometimes rudimentary facilities to encourage educational opportunities. National education panels and accrediting organizations promoted the idea of normal schools, which incorporated classrooms of teaching practice into teacher preparation programs.
Purpose
School is the place to build important life skills. It helps you get through difficult times and gives you confidence. You also learn to assess your options and make the right decisions. Besides this, schools help you understand the importance of society and give you a platform to develop yourself into an active participant in the process of social change.
Schooling is a complex and dynamic process, involving many different kinds of people. Each school has its own aims and purposes. These aims may be broad or narrow, and they might be public or private. They might include ensuring that all children are literate (social possibility aim), that they have a wide variety of choices in their lives (opportunity-creating purpose), or that students become skilled and successful at some occupation (social efficiency aim). There are also cultural priorities, such as helping students understand their own cultures and to respect the diversity of others.
Atmosphere
A school’s atmosphere can influence academic achievement. If the environment is tense, students may not focus on learning and teachers might not feel comfortable in the classroom. Effective conflict resolution programs can reduce tensions and improve the learning environment.
The school’s atmosphere is also influenced by how well the community supports the school. This includes the level of support from parents, teachers, and other stakeholders, as well as the overarching philosophy that guides the school’s mission and vision.
In addition, a positive school climate promotes social capital. This allows a student to meet people who might help him or her in the future, such as someone who can give them a job. A highly skilled workforce is an economic asset for a nation. Consequently, nations invest resources into schools to ensure that their citizens can work in high-income jobs.
Environment
Students need access to a safe and healthy school environment. This includes access to healthy facilities, classrooms, teachers and school-based health supports, and clear and fair disciplinary policies.
It also includes the social and emotional climate, and the way that staff and parents support the learning process. School environments that are safe and supportive help adolescents feel connected to a network of caring peers and adults, which helps reduce their risk for high-risk behaviours such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), sexually transmitted infections* and unintended pregnancy.
Choose from a range of resources created for school administrators, principals, facilities managers, teachers and school staff. Get tips on assessing and combating environmental heath threats in schools and find guidance on improving indoor air quality, using chemicals safely and managing pests.
Teachers
Teachers inspire their students with their dedication, passion and unwavering integrity. Teachers shape young minds, imparting values such as empathy and respect, and nurture a lifelong love of learning.
In many places, traditional public schools are the cornerstone of the educational system. These neighborhood-based institutions, subsidized by local taxes and state and federal grants, provide education for all children.
They teach a wide range of subjects and often focus on particular learning disabilities or giftedness. They also play a key role in establishing a safe classroom environment and encouraging student engagement. They work with parents and community members to foster holistic development. They organize school-sponsored events and accompany students on field trips. They also serve as mentors to future educators. They are experts in their fields, able to develop engaging lessons and support diverse learners.