Orange Middle Schools

What appeals to me about the plan of Orange Middle Schools is that their focus is not on a specific methods of instruction,but rather on establishing relationships between their students and teachers. I firmly believe it is only through the strengthening of these relationships that students will experience success. Many of students from such impoverished and underfunded districts do not have stable home lives. In the place of a supportive home, the best thing that the school can do is take the time and make the effort to strengthen the relationships between such neglected children and their teachers. For many students, school can be an apealing escape. It is reliable, predictable, and serves as a welcome escape. The weekly discussion groups afford students time to vent, share, and be open with other members of the school community. By creating those ties, the school can challenge students much more and expect greater effort and results. I would also commend how the school includes students in the dialogue of school improvement by asking them what's on their mind and what their concerns are. Through this discussion, they learned that school safety is a major concern of students.

If I did make one recommendation to the schools, it would be to try and make the greatest effort to appeal to parents and guardians for support. Going along with their inclusive model of weekly discussions with students, give parents an opportunity to get involved as well. Another recommendation that I would make, and perhaps this is already being followed, would be to make sure that the concerns and suggestions of students are being acknowledged. It is nice and democratic to ask students what changes they wish to see in their school. If their feedback is ignored it would will have the opposite effect of what is intended.