Chapter 4: Schools as the Workplace for Students and Teachers

Staff and Organization

•        In the book, they talk about how schools are organized in a chain of command, with line relationships and staff relationships. Line relationships are those which one position has direct authority over another, and staff relationships are when a position does not have authority over and there is an assumption that they will work together and communicate. They key reasoning as to why schools are organized the way they are is to make communication easier. Communication is key in the education field, to express opinions, share good ideas, and keep in touch with the school’s needs and goals.
•         In my group, we discussed having the same type of organization. Without a system of organization and a chain of command, people would have no guidelines to follow, or anyone to answer to. I feel as though it is very important to keep a hierarchy, as people need to feel a responsibility to do their job well and right. Although many teachers would do their job for the students in the absence of a higher authority, others would not. Within my school, I would set up a very similar chain of command, with the only difference being a slight change in the school board. Typically school boards can be made up of anyone in the community, but I believe that only experienced teachers should serve on this committee, although community members and parents could attend meetings and have a chance to state their views and opinions. No one knows the students better than the teachers who spend five days a week with them. There would be very few differences between the way the book explains school organization and the way I would organize my school.

School District Relationship with the State

•        Schools districts, as it says in the book, have a very strong relationship with the state. All three branches of the state government are actively involved with public education. Governors tend to express visions and hopes for the educational system, and typically have a strong say in the state budget, as well as policies. The state legislature is known as they primary policy-making body for education within the state. They determine curriculum policies, hiring standards and also the state budget for education. The last branch, the courts, rule on issues that arise regarding education, and can have a drastic impact in shaping education in a state. The State Board of Education is responsible for making sure that all schools are following state policies and regulations. They organize test data and also review cases of teacher malpractice. The members of this board are either elected, or appointed by the governor.
•        My group did not discuss this, but if I were designing a school, I would make drastic changes to this. I understand that at some level, the state does have to be involved to regulate all the schools in the state, and ensure that all the children are getting the same education. However, I feel as though the people making the important decisions, such as budget, policies and especially curriculum, should be people who have experienced classroom life as a teacher. They should have experience and know the inner workings of a school, because how can someone who is uninformed possibly make a reasonable and accurate decision? I believe that the school board only should make decisions regarding education, and that although the government has to be involved, such as the courts, their influence and decision making abilities should be limited. The school board however, has to be made up of members who have been teachers, or held prestigious positions at a school prior. People who make decisions regarding what happens and is taught in schools must have background knowledge and experience. You would not let a politician make a medical decision, so why let them make a decision on what schools should do?

Role of the Federal Government

•        In the book, the role of the federal government in education is slowly, but surely increasing. The book points out that the power of education was left to the states in the tenth amendment. However, as time went on, the President, the Congress, and the Supreme Court all began to exert power and influence over education. The book states that all three branches have taken an interest in education, but yet, the federal government provides very little funds to public education. The President and Congress, in combination are capable of passing legislation, such as the NCLB act, which can directly and heavily influence every school in the nation. The Supreme Court has the final say on all legal issues, and when the Court rules, that is the final decision. When the federal government gets involved, their word is final, and all states must obey.
•        I feel as though again, I understand why the federal government has an interest, to ensure all the kids in the nation are learning what is necessary, but I do not agree with the fact that they can make decisions regarding education with no prior experience or background to back up their views and opinions. I believe in the very least, if the federal government is going to create policies and make laws about how what and how things are carried out in schools, they need to at least fund those programs. You cannot expect a school to implement a new program if you give them no funding. It is unreasonable to allow people who have no idea what it is like to work in a school, or teach students, and are so far removed from individual states and school districts, to make decisions and laws that so drastically influence and shape the educational system in America. In my school, I would try to limit the federal government’s power and influence as much as possible, relying instead upon experienced teachers and school workers opinions and practices.

How Schools are Paid For

•       Schools are paid for in a variety of ways, including income tax, property tax, corporate tax, sales tax and lotteries. Also, schools can charge students to participate in athletics and extracurricular activities. Schools receive funding from local governments, the state government and also the federal government. However, the federal government only provides about eight and a half percent of a school’s total revenue. State and local governments through taxes raise the remaining ninety one percent of revenue.
•           In my school, I would hold the level of government that is imposing the laws and rules regarding education responsible for providing the funds. I agree that the citizens tax money should be used to pay for schooling, as public schooling is very expensive and a service provided to all kids for free. However, I would expect the federal government, especially with their recent interest in education, to provide more funds as well. If a body of people is going to force you to follow their programs and laws, they should provide you the means necessary for the ends. In my school, I would encourage activities, such as talents shows, contests, and bake sales to help raise money as well. I believe that all levels of government should contribute an equal percentage of funds to schools, especially if all the levels claim an interest in education. Education prepares our future, so I think the federal government should allot more money to invest in schooling.