The Perfect School

Okay, class, we're going to begin today with a pop quiz:

What is the state of American schools today?
a.) Excellent
b.) In need of some improvement
c.) Failing
d.) All of the above

As a veteran teacher for over 17 years, my answer would have to be D. I have taught in a high school with blatant disrespect, fighting, furniture-throwing, and weapons. I have worked at three outstanding private college-preparatory schools with tuitions around $20,000 per year per child. I have also worked at nice public and parochial schools that fall somewhere in the middle.

A perfect school doesn't exist, but many distinct visions and dreams of such a place do. I love to imagine what education would be like for all students in this country, if only unlimited funding would rain down from the sky!

Here is my wish list for a perfect school:

1. Small Class Sizes
One of my former prep schools capped elementary classroom size at 18 . . . with two certified teachers for those 18 students. At the middle and upper school level, class sizes were no more than 14. There were enough students in the class for lively discussions and interaction, but not so many that students couldn't get the help or attention they needed.

2. Hands-On, Interactive, Multi-Sensory, Experiential Learning
Let's get our kids active and involved in learning. They should be excited to go to school. I propose more field trips, more speakers, more manipulatives, more drama, more cooking. I'd love to see students doing more project-based, cross-curricular assessments with the teacher acting as facilitator. Let's get kids out of their seats, moving around, and asking questions!

3. Positive Parental Involvement
The most effective education involves the student, the teacher, and the parents. My perfect school would include parents who feel welcomed and encouraged to take part in their child's education. They would not hover or make unreasonable demands, but would be an integral part of a team approach. Parents would be in the classroom, helping and sharing their gifts and talents.

4. Physical Education and Recess
Cutting our recess is insane. Let younger students play and get some fresh air every single day. Older students need some sort of physical education class each day, too. I once worked at an elementary/middle school that had both recess and daily PE . . . the students were the calmest and most focused I have ever taught.

5. Music and Art
Music and art are not fluffy fillers. They are crucial to the overall growth and creativity of our kids. Why can't all children benefit from the brain development that comes from learning to play the piano and the violin? And like physical activity, shouldn't our children also be engaged in artistic expression each day?

6. Foreign Languages and Global Studies
The research is conclusive: children are natural language learners and we live in a global community and economy. Language skills and cultural understanding are crucial for preparing students for the future. My perfect school would begin teaching languages in preschool. By later elementary school, every student would be studying at least two foreign languages. U.S. schools would be linked with sister schools around the world for communication and exchange trips.

7. Nutritious School Lunches
We need to feed our kids natural, whole foods. Ban the high-fat and high-sugar junk. Our kids will be more focused and ready to learn.

8. Character Education and Mentoring
A perfect school will guide students in both academics and character. Let's mentor kids and help them learn about goal-setting, problem-solving, citizenship, and service.

9. Late Start for Adolescents
Biologically, teenagers are not functioning optimally in the morning. So, why do high schools still begin earlier than elementary and middle schools? I propose starting high school classes no earlier than 9:00 a.m.

10. Technology and Classroom Supplies
My wish is for computers and Smart Boards in every classroom, laptops for every student, and podcasting capabilities. Personally, I'd settle for a working CD player at the moment. I want unlimited art supplies, dry erase markers, and color copying.

11. Really Cool Classrooms
How about spacious, colorful rooms with lots of natural light? I want to feel at home with plants, comfortable furniture, and my own classroom kitchen. And maybe a cat.

12. Professional Development
My husband, who is in the medical field, goes to conferences and has all expenses paid by his employer. I currently must take a personal day and pay for my own conference registration, not to mention travel, hotel, and meals. Some teachers even pay for their own subs. Treat teachers like professionals. And while we're at it, how about higher pay?

Do you have a wish list for America's educational system? What is your vision of the perfect school?