WHAT MAKES A BETTER SCHOOL?

Schools are held accountable for the quality of education which they provide. Hence, the character of schools has always been of interest to some parents when their children are about to start schooling. Schools acquire “reputations” of being “good” or “bad”. What makes a better school? How can a school call itself “good” or “bad” ? How does one determine if a school is doing a good job or not? Actually, there’s no such a “bad school”. All schools… … are trying to be “good”.

The following are some characteristics/signs that a school is a better one:

STUDENTS of a good school… .

Come to school early, in proper student-look attire;

Stand still and join in singing the “National Anthem

Show respect to fellow students, and all school personnel;

Greet each other a “Good morning!” or “Good afternoon!”,with a smile;

Actively participate in class discussion; Participate in various school organizations; Involve themselves in co-curricular activities; Join and win in inter-school competitions; Help maintain cleanliness in campus; Join in community projects,& other civic/ religious activities;

TEACHERS of a good school… ..

Love their work, and feel contented with teaching;

Work together cooperatively, as colleagues;

Create a relaxing learning atmosphere inside the classroom;

Show love, concern and happiness dealing with students;

Have a detailed understanding, and knowledge of what to teach;

Give awards to students who do the “right thing”;

Motivate students to achieve high standards, and be the best;

Conduct remediaton session for students — without extra compensation; Conduct home visitation to students who have schooling problems; Pursue post graduate studies so as to improve teaching abilities.

PRINCIPALS of good schools… … .

Have a vision, with high expectations, and show passion for excellence; Have the respect and love of students, staff and parents;

Understand his people, and motivate them to level up;

Help others to succeed, & initiate the promotion of his staffs;

Have the ability to create a positive attitude, amidst negative situations; Possess an honest and caring attitude of a leader;

Find ways to make difficult tasks easy for his people;

Hold regular meetings with staff, parents;

Conduct in-service trainings for staff-development;

Awards exemplary performance of teachers.

ENVIRONMENT of good Schools … .

Have a positive climate which is open and friendly;

Provide encouragement and take a positive approach to discipline;

Make certain that every student and family feels welcome;

Make the teachers and the pupils happy;

Have an atmosphere that is conducive to good work;

Have classrooms that are lighted, ventilated ;

Make sure that all students feel a sense of belonging in an equal way; Enable students to develop inventiveness, creativity and open-mindedness; Have the ability to adapt quickly to human needs and technology change; Have a trusty janitors / guards.

— oOo—

The author is Principal II of San Isidro High School, San Luis