Teachers, it is about time to start the new school year. We cannot open the buildings to students. We have to stand up and tell everybody that we have a better idea that does not put everyone in danger. This cannot be treated like a fall-back choice or second choice. This has to be our primary endeavor with a high threshold of success because that is what we are used to. We are motivated by it. Bring it on. Below is my proposed plan for my site, McFadden Intermediate School in Santa Ana, California. I have some support and expect more as my colleagues open their school emails. I offer it to any person, any school, and district that wants it. I think bright people can modify it to meet local needs and conditions. Schools must be the voice of safety, learning, and connection in isolated, stress-filled times.
I dealt with The Earthquake in March:
March 1:
www.dailykos.com/…
March 15:
www.dailykos.com/…
March 19:
www.dailykos.com/…
March 29:
www.dailykos.com/…
What I have sent to my colleagues:
Teachers, we have an amazing opportunity. We have a unique and precious challenge to our abilities as professional, government-certified educators. Instead of entering the new school year filled with fear and dread, I suggest we reach out to, provide service to, and enliven the community consciously and openly. I suggest we provide a place of safety, caring, organization, service, motivation, and inspiration for all of our students to their benefit, the benefit of their families, and the benefit for the community.
I propose we work on this together.
McFadden must operate and promote its strengths as a united, cooperative school for the community. McFadden must seek partnerships with parents and the community-at-large to promote the reality that classes count, grades count, services always provided, and the teachers are engaged both individually and in group-effort to create, implement, and improve an outstanding online education for intermediate school students.
Each of six teams of six teachers will serve a student population of one-hundred ninety-two (192), allowing McFadden to serve a student population of almost twelve-hundred. Special Education services and counseling services will be available to meet student needs. Administrators will facilitate the home/school connection.
Each student will have one class at a time in a fifteen-day period. Students receive slightly more than sixty hours of teacher-involved instruction in every class, which meets the minutes-per-day requirements of the State of California. Students will complete semester classes every three weeks and begin a new class on the next school day. Each student will receive instruction and transcript grades in Language Arts, Social Science, Math, Science, Physical Education, and a class in art, music, STEM, or AVID.
One consistency in the District’s adopted hybrid models is the student-free Wednesday for Professional Development, collaboration, home contacts, and meetings. For students, this is a time to receive resources and services, including contacting teachers. McFadden must use this time to self-promote engaging in appropriate marketing such as Mr. Diaz’s newsletters, Ms. Brambila’s many PBIS programs, student activities and competitions, service opportunities for students, and perhaps a school media presence such as Radio McFadden or McFadden TV. McFadden must take on the role of dominant media force in the community during traditional school hours. McFadden must extend the hand of partnership to the community in this endeavor.
Teachers, we must unite with the classified staff and administrators in this cooperative effort. Many of us seek to return to the classroom, even without students. We must establish and meet protocols for the safety of all involved such that voluntary teacher presence on campus is possible.
end
I told a friend about this plan and she asked, “Why did a sixty-year-old have to come up with this? Isn’t that what the young people should do?”
You young people- I have a plan, but I am going to be around for only a couple more years, less if they buy me off. What happens now and where it goes is up to you. You will experience the effects. Take my plan and make it better. Recreate public education. Reimagine education using your professional skills, experiences, and a willingness to risk. You see farther into the future than I do.