PROMOTING HAPPY SCHOOLS THROUGH REFORMS

JAY S. GUINTU

$ personal concept with different definitions depending on culture is happiness 81(6&2 defines a happ\ school as one that promotes the learning health and well-Eeing of people families and communities 7he four supports of happ\ schools² people process location and principles² are used to assist polic\maNers in EreaNing down happ\ schools into characteristics that s\stem-wide policies ma\ target 7he following concepts are critical to this campaign )irst curriculum pedagog\ and assessment alignment foster improYed Tualit\ in the teaching-learning process 7he curriculum should Ee multidisciplinar\ and promote mutuall\ reinforcing academic sNill deYelopment and social-emotional deYelopment E\ focusing on the total person learner and citi]en 7hen in conMunction with the Tualit\ of the curricular structure the curricular process that encourages science-Eased learner-centered cooperatiYe actiYe pedagogies including learning through pla\ and e[periential or inTuir\-Eased approaches should Ee considered and should Ee reinforced E\ teacher training )ollowing that students should haYe chances for assessment that will enhance their agenc\ acNnowledge their social-emotional aEilities and allow them to e[hiEit their Nnowledge in Yarious wa\s on numerous occasions $ssessments should focus on learning progressions clarif\ students thinNing and encourage Nnowledge application to real-world issues )inall\ mechanisms for self and communit\ reflection are Eeneficial at all leYels of the school ecos\stem including the integration of reflectiYe practices into teaching learning planning and management to optimi]e protectiYe factors liNe growth mindsets well-Eeing and mutual respect while minimi]ing risN factors liNe stress punishment Eull\ing or Yiolence 6chools ma\ serYe as communit\ centers for nutrition health recreation the arts music and intergenerational learning :ould \ou liNe to taNe part in this campaign" ,f there is a will there is a wa\

-o2o7he author is 6chool +ead +ead 7eacher ,,, at 6ta 0onica (6 6asmuan 'istrict