School vs. Education The question was posed to me by one of my educational heroes. In the winter of 2005 I was in Cambridge, Massachusetts at Harvard University, and had a chance to sit across the table from Dr. Theodore Sizer. Dr. Sizer is the author of many books including Horace’s Compromise: The Dilemma of the American High School. He has also served as the Dean of Education of Harvard University and in the 1996 edition of the Teacher Magazine; the publication described him as America’s most influential educational reformer. Dr. Sizer looked at me and asked the question that has stuck with me and still directs my thoughts as a school leader today. His question was, “Do you value school or education?” What a simple question and it is the question that begins many of our meetings here in Athens ISD. We must as educators value the concept of education and work to advance the teaching and learning process more than we value the structure and organization of the school. Often we get these two backwards – we can sometimes be protective of our institution because we developed a specific organization and we may forget that the institution actually prevents us from fulfilling our responsibilities as educators. As the Athens ISD team continues to focus on the value of education, we are investigating and striving to implement the following educational programs: Early College High School – In partnership with the Trinity Valley Community College, Athens ISD is investigating an educational opportunity for students allowing them to earn a high school diploma and an associate’s degree simultaneously. It is our hope that as the Early College High School students walk across the stage at their high school graduation, they receive a diploma from our district and an associate degree from Trinity Valley. There are several school districts in Texas that already have this program in place and we are striving to make it a reality here in Athens for next year’s high school students. Advanced Career and Technology programs – We are striving to develop partnerships with other educational and training institutions as well as businesses in town that will afford our students greater opportunities and exposure to career and technology training. It is our goal to have several industry certification programs in place for our students. Trinity Valley Community College has an outstanding career and technology program that offers many certifications and we hope to continue to broaden our relationship. At the high school we cannot possibly have the facilities to offer all of the programs that our students will need for the 21st century, but by partnering with others we can make sure that the four walls of our schoolhouse are not barriers to the future of our young people. International Baccalaureate (IB)– Athens ISD is investigating an Early Years’ IB program for students in our primary grades with the possibility of expanding the program to the other grades. The IB program is worldwide and offers a world class curriculum to the students in the program. Several of our staff members will attend a conference to investigate the feasibility of such a program for Athens ISD. Virtual School – As we look to the future, we are investigating a possible virtual school for our students. A virtual school offers classes via the Internet. There are already schools in the state that offer virtual schools for grades 3-6 and high school course work. Many of these virtual schools are planning to expand to other grade levels. The concept of a virtual school is very exciting because it has endless opportunities and flexibility. Education is a beacon of hope to all who are afforded the opportunities to learn. School is truly a place where that opportunity is available, but the four walls of the school house are not the beginning and end of education. The Board of Trustees and administration of any school district must recognize that community support is vital to any program’s success. Athens ISD recognizes that there is no such thing as “one size education fits all” and we will provide programs that meet the needs of our diverse student population.
Dr. Fred Hayes |
