Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash
This post is just a brief collection of ideas about how we can improve educational outcomes for Oregon’s students.
Next time we talk, please feel welcome to propose additions to this list.
- Smaller class sizes
- Teach phonics (direct instruction) for early language learners
- Evidence-based instruction
- Improved support systems for kids with special needs, learning disabilities, ESL, or behavior problems
- Access to books, at school and at home
- Access to computers, at school and at home
- Recognize that success looks different for different people. Celebrate those who choose vocational training programs, it’s a good life.
- Enrichment programs: including music, art, drama, and clubs as well as sports. Kids who are interested in school-related activities will stay in school; and kids who finish high school generally go on to earn better wages as adults.
- And pretty much every teacher I’ve ever spoken to agrees that we need to de-emphasize standardized testing.