FIRST STEPS TOWARD SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PERSUADE PARENTS TO ASSURE SUPERIOR EARLY CHILDHOODS: Minimize TV. Maximize age-appropriate activities that challenge minds and bodies and thereby foster skills and confidence. Mobilize a continuing effort by the relevant child specialists, educators, and church leaders to reach all parents, especially the youngest. HELP TEACHERS IMPROVE CLASSROOM WORK. We need collaborative efforts by teachers to enhance their professional development and to improve methods in the classroom. We need leadership from Master Teachers, whose job is to facilitate collaboration, coach teachers,, and help them solve problems in class. This initiative is particularly critical because, in the coming decade, schools will be forced to hire thousands of new teachers, many with meager experience. MAKE SCHOOL CURRICULA ENGAGING FOR ALL. The basics are necessary but not sufficient. Kids need opportunities to explore their potential through Fine Arts, Industrial Arts, Phys. Ed., Computer Training, and Community Service Experience. USE SCHOOLS AFTER HOURS to get kids engaged in challenging experiences--arts, crafts, gardening, sports, bike repair, mentoring by Seniors, etc. This requires hiring additional teachers, as well as employing volunteers. LOCAL RESPONSIBILITY. Improvements that succeed are initiated by the teachers, administrators, and parents who will make them succeed. The State can advise, evaluate, and encourage with special funding; but statewide, one-size-for-all "reforms" have failed again and again, consuming millions of dollars and frustrating everyone involved. And again this year, we are faced with programs and initiative propositions seeking to renew past Folly. Local control is more than a valued principle. It is a pragmatic necessity. | HOME | WHY | FIRST STEPS | THE CAMPAIGN | WHAT CAN YOU DO? | WHO IS MILES? |