Today
I had the opportunity to visit Berea High School which is one of the best
performing schools in Greenville. Besides having the opportunity to see the
school environment, I also had the chance to talk to the principal Dr.Noel (
the principals I have come across in US have P.hds in Educational Leadership). The
high school environment is definitely not as how it has been fed into our minds
through the mainstream media, the kids were respectful, friendly and very welcoming.
I also had the chance to observe a few English classes ; Literature, Reading,
Creative Writing (my favourite of all) and also drama. I was amazed
with the teachers' styles of teaching and their classroom management. I believe it has got to do with the number of students in the classes that help the teachers to take charge easily. Their teacher - student ratio is 1 : 22. However, I am sure I use more interesting ways to teach reading ....hahaha
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| At Berea High School |
I
was also introduced to the school Instructional coaches, they are similar to
the SISC (school Improvement Special Coaches) in Malaysia. In US, the school
instructional coaches do not move around from one school to another school to
observe teachers and make comments but they stay put at one school and work
together with the teachers to develop their area of specialization. At Berea high
school there are 4 instructional coaches and one of them is for English
language. I was told that she helps to improve the schools results by working
with the teachers to develop literacy programs, create modules as well as
develops and demonstrates best teaching practices.
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| with the English Language Instructional Coach |
One
thing I realized is, in US the
responsibility of being a principal is definitely not given to any Tom, Dick or Harry. Having
observed Dr. Black (RMS) and Dr.Noel (Berea) I would definitely say that their
knowledge in Educational Leadership has got to do something with their
performance at school and I believe it is their leadership that has brought the
schools to a meritorious level.
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| with Dr.Noel during the briefing session... |
This
does not mean that I am dreaming of becoming a principal in future…….if I were to have plans
for my future development, being a principal will be at the bottom of my list or not in the list at all,
I am comfortable with what I am doing now and will continue to do so……
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| I have always thought that the auditorium which I used to see in the American series 'Glee' was a mere exaggeration until I saw a real high school theatre,,,, |
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