Parental Authority

Problem:

“Parental involvement is linked to students’ improved attitudes toward school and better behavior in the classroom.  Moreover, parental involvement helps to build strong parent-child relationships and foster a sense of security,” according to NJEA.  “However, even though parental involvement is shown to be positive,” according to Education Week, “Our latest survey shows that even though teachers understand the premium value of strong family and home support for learning, they find themselves getting discouraged by the lack of family support and engagement.  Not only are they discontent – few have taken significant steps to do something about it.”

Col. Jim’s Solution:

• Facilitate and encourage parental authority and involvement in all aspects of their child’s educational experience – engage immediately when a student starts to fall behind.
• Pursue mutually beneficial communication pathways between parents, teaching staff, school administration, and students, emphasizing complete transparency
• Ensure a strong parental voice in curriculum, scheduling, activities, and discipline

Pro-Teacher

Problem:

“Teachers are leaving the profession at increasingly high rates, primarily due to low pay, a lack of support, and worsening student behavior.  Schools are paying the price through costly recruitment, staff shortages, destabilized school cultures, and poor learning outcomes.”  Administrative staff in America has increased by 88% since 2000, while students and teachers have increased by only 8% over the same period.

Col. Jim’s Solution:

• Create and reinforce an environment conducive to better teacher retention and job satisfaction
• Provide “upper end” market Pay & Benefits for top performing teachers
• Reduce or remove as much administrative overhead burden on teachers as possible
• Focus on school principals supporting teachers, removing burdens and coaching them for success in the classroom
• Provide recognition for positive/outstanding performance and outcomes
• Establish mentoring opportunities for teachers, help teachers to improve their skills
• Reinforce structure to support discipline, cooperation, order, and organization in the classroom and total school environment

Proficiency

Problem:

Over the last two years there has been an average decrease of 18.67% in Edmond District Statewide Performance – a dramatic drop in reading and math scores.

Col. Jim’s Solution:

• Create and support an environment conducive to learning, critical skill development, and personal growth – seek input from teachers about what they need most
• Provide appropriate resources and support (facilities, staffing, curriculum, etc.)
• Renew focus on the basics (reading, writing, arithmetic, American History)
• Eliminate all social engineering curricula – leave politics outside in the public sector
• Provide an opportunity to exceed and foster excellence – public recognition for excellent students or results
• Provide positive, appropriate interpersonal engagement, peer support, and a disciplined, interactive learning environment.
• Tutor and mentor those who fall behind and involve parents continuously until student is caught up
• No more social promotions.  Proficiency is the only criteria for promotion to the next grade.

Prepare Students

Problem:

Many students are graduating without the critical skills, knowledge, and support systems required to thrive in higher education, the workplace, or other post-secondary opportunities.

Col. Jim’s Solution:

• Make every effort to identify, assist, mentor, and give extra instruction to those who fall behind.  Show those behind how to improve, catch up, and thrive. Parental involvement is key.
• Prepare students to thrive in the community and in supporting shared community values -focus on the virtues of honesty, hard work, helping others and citizenship
• Encourage school engagement in the community and community engagement in the schools (FFA, veteran’s groups, senior citizens, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Kiwanis, Rotary, etc.)
• Integrate life skills and financial literacy into the curriculum – teach them how to work a checking account and pay bills.  How to be a wise consumer.
• Provide a path of success based on student’s passions, whether it be the trades, business or higher-ed. Connect students with local trades, businesses, or colleges as a way to orient them into adult careers and opportunities.
• Engage and support the community through reasonable, professional, and accountability-based use of all resources, including facilities, personnel, and available funding