The five key elements that Darling-Hammond presents as ways to create “well-functioning teaching and learning systems” are Meaningful learning goals, intelligent, reciprocal accountability, equitable and adequate resources, strong professional standards and support and schools organized for student and teacher learning (279-281). Meaningful goals and intelligent reciprocal accountability both relate to my profession as a college coach.
Meaningful learning goals does not mean more state testing like those that exist today or “superficial learning” (281). Instead the goal is preparing students for 21st century learning through meaningful assessments more like those found in some other countries around the world. The focus should be on less standards more in depth instead of many, that due to time constraints are looked over but never truly learned. While the intention of this system was to create a well balanced student, it is flawed and doesn’t meet the needs of many students today. This system can be compared to children's athletics and the push for success by parents and coaches to win instead of create a player that is well rounded, can works with others, has a team mentality, wants to work to improve and knows that it isn’t easy and never will be. Players need to know there is always room for improvement and while there are gifted athletes, the ones that succeed are the ones that make an effort, work hard to improve always, never give up, are team players and are driven. Coaches of younger and older players look at winning and particular students and don’t teach players essential skills for the future, as they are looking at their own success as well short term versus long term. Intelligent, reciprocal accountability in the classroom has been based on those same test scores and reprimanding schools for low scores as discussed earlier. As described by Darling-Hammond “although the child and the school are accountable to the state for test performance, the state is not accountable to the child or school for providing adequate educational resources” (301). In athletics schools also have expectations for their athletic departments and while they have requirements for the departments, they do not need to follow through with providing functioning fields, gear, or the resources, and or field support, for a successful team. They are not held accountable for offering all of those resources even though sports bring funding to their schools, students to their classes and a name to their community. Meaningful learning goals and intelligent, reciprocal accountability are important in the success of schools and the success of athletes and athletics in schools. Taking recommendations from Darling-Hammond would improve their success drastically and should be shared! lick here to edit.
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