High/Scope Approach

The philosophy behind High/Scope is that children should be involved actively in their own learning. They learn by doing, often working with hands on materials and carrying out projects of their own choosing. The adults working with the children see themselves more as facilitators, partners than managers, or supervisors. High/Scope's approach encompasses all aspects of child development and involves teachers and parents in supporting and extending children's emotional, intellectual, social, and physical skills and abilities.
In a High/Scope school, different areas of the classroom are designated for different activities, for example water play, reading, sand play, art, writing, dramatic play, etc. Children are intended to be able to access all facilities independently and be able to take some responsibility for use of these areas.
An important part of the High/Scope approach is the plan-do-review sequence. Children first plan what materials they want to work with and what they want to do. Only once they have made a plan, however vague, of what they want to do can they go and do it. Then, after this choice worktime, the children discuss what they have been doing and whether it was successful.

Student in David's Class

DISTAR Method in First grade. DISTAR is a phonics-based reading program that was developed to help students who lagged behind their peers in language skills. Most of the program is scripted.
What does it feel like for George? George is a student that is excelling in the small group instruction. George feels smart because he can make the sounds that letters make immediately.
What does it feel like for Melaney? Melaney is a student that is not excelling in the small group instruction. Melaney most likely feels ashamed, because she cannot make the sounds that letters make immediately.

Consolidation

Consolidation is not a term that you normally hear referring to the public education system. With the nation’s current economic situation, you hear many school officials talking about consolidating schools in order to save many. Consolidating schools would save the district money in operating costs, provide students with the same resources (extra curricular activities), and foster multicultural awareness. However, consolidating schools would also create larger class sizes, require some student to ride a bus an hour to and from school, and less opportunities for student to participate in extra curricular activities.
Consolidating schools would deviate me from my personal philosophy of education. As a future educator, I believe that being a good teacher differs from being an effective teacher. Effective teachers are the ones who know their subject areas, and they take the time to have that one-on-one connection with their students. Effective teachers are the ones who inspire students to eagerly learn and hopefully continue to further their education. I envision myself to be that effective teacher. In order to be that effective teacher, I will take that time to have a personal connection with my students, making myself available to assist them in anyway that I can. Personal integrity is a value that I will bring into my classroom. Children have enough people in their lives already lying and breaking promises to them everyday. Since school is supposed to be a safe “get-away” place for children to look forward to, I will be honest to my students and keep the promises that I make to them.
I personally believe that consolidating schools would create less opportunites for good teachers to become effective and/or master teachers.