Significance of School Reform in Urban Areas
Many aspects of urban education can directly impact the local economy. Specifically, school characteristics such as student performance, teacher shortages and poverty can all contribute to the effect that the schools have on the community. This article discusses the significance of school reform in urban areas while keeping these concerns in mind.
Teacher Shortages
Many urban school districts need help to hire teachers for specific subject areas. As a result, some school systems have begun relying on long-term substitutes.
In response to these challenges, many state and national studies have identified promising macro-level policy solutions, including competitive compensation, high retention pathways into teaching, loan forgiveness programs, and improved working conditions for current educators. However, these studies center on something other than each district’s unique requirements.
The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) has recently published a study examining teacher shortages’ causes and potential solutions. Urban areas that are rapidly expanding and have a wide range of demographics are where the most critical changes in today’s education policy are taking place. In addition to having specialized knowledge of the history of policy concerning issues like student aptitude testing and college preparation, urban education masters programs are up to date on the latest methodologies and academic findings.
Pedagogy of Poverty in Urban Schools
The pedagogy of poverty is a method of education practiced in low socio-economic status schools. It involves teaching limited knowledge, practices, and behaviors in schools.
Often described as an “authoritarian” pedagogy, this pedagogy is practiced in many low socio-economic urban schools. However, it is not supported by research.
The pedagogy of poverty was developed by Martin Haberman in 1991. Its purpose is to identify the causes of school failure in poor communities. He found that the pedagogy of poverty is rooted in four syllogisms. Each syllogism describes a vital aspect of a student’s self-concept as a learner. These include:
According to the pedagogy of poverty, young people cannot achieve their maximum potential. Teachers and parents in poor neighborhoods need to work together to change the label. They can provide a variety of learning styles and get their children’s parents involved in the educational process.
Lack of Political Will to Improve Urban Schools
In the late 1990s, the Chicago Public Schools underwent a series of top-down reforms. This was a response to a steady deterioration of student academic performance, which prompted the state of New Jersey to take control of the school system.
As part of the federal ESEA, funding was made available for supplementary educational services. A large industry of education experts was created to help urban schools improve their performance.
While these measures are notable, they are rarely the only solutions to urban school problems. It is a fact that poverty plays a role in the quality of schools. Poverty is more prevalent in areas with limited job opportunities.
Competition Keeps Competition From Being Healthy And Productive
There’s no doubt that competition is a critical element of a well-functioning economy. However, too much competition can have a negative impact. Fortunately, there are a few strategies to tame the competition.
An astute employer at the top of the food chain understands how to take advantage of the competitive spirit. From a business standpoint, promoting teamwork is the most effective way to maximize resources. By allowing team members to work together, you’ll reap the benefits of increased productivity, improved morale, and an overall happier workforce. This is all good, but the trick is to keep those teams intact over the long haul.
School Characteristics Affect Student Achievement
The perception of urban schools failing to educate students is based on several factors. For example, many urban school families live with severe economic disadvantages. They are less likely to receive free or reduced-price lunches and to have supportive home environments.
In addition to these factors, teachers in high-poverty schools report inadequate science labs, outdated textbooks, and a lack of technology. Urban schools are also more likely to have physical conditions that can inhibit learning. This study investigates the relationship between student performance and school characteristics.
As part of its research, the PELP team surveyed 15 school districts nationwide. It found that student achievement was on the rise in most communities. However, there were significant differences between urban and non-urban schools.
Market-Based Reforms For Urban Education
Market-based reforms for urban education are various forms of public school choice. They include charter schools, voucher programs, and the use of education management organizations. However, it takes work to translate the economic model of markets to compulsory education. These reforms can improve the education of some students, but the poorest students will likely be the worst off.
Proponents of the choice movement, which has been around for decades, claim it is a way to improve public education. It encourages the development of charter schools and tax-funded vouchers. In addition, they advocate a systemic improvement effort.
