Policy Changes

Throughout the book The Flat World in Education Linda Darling-Hammond has made a strong case for the need of major changes in our education systems. In chapter 9 of the book she outlines what she feels are the five major elements required for a successful education system: meaningful learning goals; intelligent, reciprocal accountability systems; equitable and adequate resources; strong professional standards and suports for all; and schools organized for student and teacher learning.

Darling-Hammond believes that meaningful goals should be focused on success in the 21st century and that they should be developed at a national level. These goals should be based off federally funded research and expert resources. I agree with her arguments for equity that all be held to the same standards and that is where our country is headed with the common core standards. She feels that once the national government sets the standards the individual state governments should regulate and manage the curriculum. In a way I understand her point that this allows the national government to find the best way to implement but I also feel that if you're investing all this time and money into creating these standards it seems that the US should manage it as a whole.

Intelligent reciprocal accountability systems are what Linda Darling-Hammond suggests for ensuring that all students have the opportunity to learn. This would include standards of practice for schools and teachers that would make schools accountable for having a safe and productive learning environment. I truly feel that this is something our country could benefit from. In reading some of the horror stories in this book of the conditions that some schools are in and what students are being subjected to I think it would be worth while to put standards into place.

Equitable and adequate resources should be given to schools. As it has been discussed several times and the book and in my blog about how equal money doesn't always mean that the playing field is level, Linda Darling Hammond suggests that the money and resources should go where they are needed. I think that spending should be more equal and that high risk schools be given more money or at least equal resources so that those students have a chance to succeed too.

Strong professional standards are needed in the US to ensure that students have qualified teachers. Teachers need support during training programs and those programs need to be regulated. Teachers and schools need support in continuing education and action research. I also believe that teachers need to be held accountable. Schools need to be reorganized to better facilitate students and teachers.