Strengthening Public Education in a post-COVID World
Review by Libby Medley
The 8 November 2023 presentation by retired Hillsboro School District Superintendent Mike Scott was very informative, and you can see his recording on our Civics Education YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/44VKzFmR0N8. Mike compared the elementary and high school classroom situation in the 1990s to what it became from 2010 and after COVID to now.
In the 1990s teachers were respected and assumed an attitude of "we've got this" in dealing with challenges. From a diversity point of view, the dominant approach was for the non-white students to conform to the white "standards". The basic approach to decision-making was focused on what was convenient for adults, rather than what might be the best choice for the students.
Now, after the disruptive impact of pandemic school closures on learning and the increase in remote attendance, educators are fostering a culture of reaching out to collaborate in unfamiliar territory. Educator and District partnerships with businesses and aligned support have helped overwhelmed students succeed in new learning methods and preparing for employment opportunities.
In measuring success rates, it was discovered that those students most likely to graduate were engaged in learning in 9th grade. Mental health issues have led to extended absences, while closures led older students to seek employment to support their family. The previous compulsion to attend school as the highest priority has become replaced by being able to contribute towards their family income. Now families have started to depend upon these funds, reducing the likelihood that the student will return to full time learning to gain their diploma.
Mike Scott requested audience concerns at the beginning of his presentation, and circled back to their list to discuss maintaining public school enrollment in the face of a decline in birth rate as well as the growth of online charter schools and homeschooling. He pointed out that principals who reached out to build a relationship with their school's community were often successful at increasing student retention.
Furthermore, the book burning attitude of some parents is best countered by learning what the process is to acquire the classroom books used in the classroom so it can be addressed in a transparent manner. He noted there has been a lot more politics involved in school board discussions, where school board candidates have a greater tendency to be looking at their own political growth than at what is the best outcome for the students. All in all, the growth in transparency and focus on the student needs can only strengthen the system in the years to come.
