Free What Suggestions Did The Stakeholders Have To Address The Need? Research Paper Example

The School Culture Survey inquired about the relationship between Melwood Elementary School, in Upper Marlboro, Maryland and its different stakeholders. The researcher sought the assistance of individuals who were vested with the school community or most frequently involved with the school functions and extracurricular activities. The interviewees included the following: parents of a one and fifth-grade student, two students from the school (grade seven and eight), the English department head, and a grade one biology teacher. The interviews took place either over the phone or in person at the school and areas of work. The research employed the use of a semi-structured interview process in order to gain more information resulting from discussions. There was a set of standard questions, but the interviewer was allowed to ask follow-up questions when the respondents’ answers warranted further inquiry and clarification.
The researcher listened to the interview recordings together to compile a list of the common impressions of the stakeholder groups. The aim of conducting this survey was to identify the benefits of involving all the stakeholders and the views of the different stakeholder groups concerning the school.
All the stakeholders agreed that the school administration provided a favorable environment for the students, however there was room for improvement. “The favorable environment comprises the physical environment, the atmosphere, the work and the materials. It is said favorable because it meets the needs of the child and supports the child’s holistic development (physical, intellectual, and linguistics, emotional, social)” (W.A.M.A, n.d.).They all agreed that the school’s performances were fair, and that the learning systems were effective However, they were all concerned about the poor communication of the school’s administration and the teachers. The students said that they would like for the teachers to be more involving in class. The students felt like the teachers do not involve them in the style of teaching and this is because students are different. On the other hand, the parents said that they feel left because the teachers rarely talk to them about the children’s performance. The administration is also always absent when the parents want to discuss with them about the children’s performance. The community said that they barely get any information of what is going on in the school.

“A positive school climate exists when all students feel comfortable, wanted, valued, accepted, and secure in an environment where they can interact with caring people they trust. A positive school climate affects everyone associated with the school: students, staff, parents, and the community” (Manitoba, n.d.). They all agreed that a conducive learning environment is essential for the student to successes in their studies. The students suggested that they should be involved in the running of the school and that they should be given the opportunity to communicate their opinions. The parents suggested that the school should use newsletters and websites to pass information to them. Similarly, the school’s administration should give the teachers the freedom to communicate with the parents. The community likewise supported the idea of using newsletters to communicate to them.
As much as the involvement of the three groups of stakeholders in the life of the student is important, care must be taken so that none of them delegates their responsibilities to another group (National Education Association, 2008). This question was mainly directed to the parents, to investigate the relationship between the parents and their children. The parents were asked about their involvement in their child’s studies. They were asked whether they assist their children to do their homework and most of them said they do sometimes. They said that their efforts were not up to the level that is required. Parent involvement in their children studies drops as the child grows older (National Education Association, 2008). In the aspect of the parents’ involvement with the school, they suggested that the school administration should hold be invited to meetings as well as be allowed to volunteer in their children’s classroom activities. They should utilize technology to communicate to the parents.

How is your experience as a teacher in this school?

Apositive relationship between a teacher and the students helps them to succeed both socially and academically (Rimm-Kaufman, n.d.). The teachers were asked if they thought whether they style of teaching matched the students style of learning and most of them responded with a yes. Most of them said that they were liked the experience of working in the school, however some said they did not like it. Generally, they agreed that the school helped them grow in their profession of teaching.

How should the school involve you more as a student?

The students suggested that the school’s administration should use newsletters to pass information to them. They said student leaders should be appointed and their views on issues should be taken into consideration.

How well do you know this school located in your community area?

The community suggested that the school should not leave them out when communicating to other stakeholders. They stated that the school should come up with projects that will provide an opportunity for the school and the community to work together.

Conclusion

This series of interviews dealt with Melwood Elementary School, in Upper Marlboro, Maryland and how it can benefit if the different stakeholders are involved. The interviewee included parents of a one and fifth-grade student, two students from the school (grade seven and eight), the English department head, and grade one biology teacher. Taken together, the opinions of this group represent the entire spectrum of concerns that the stakeholders in this school have for its continued success. The results of this survey confirmed that it is very important for all stakeholders to work together as one group. They should all have one voice, and agree on everything concerning the school. The school’s administration should make sure that it involves everybody and no group should feel left out.

References

Manitoba (n.d).Positive School Climate. Retrieved 23 March 2015, from http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/specedu/beh/pdf/3.pdf
National Education Association.(2008). Parent, Family, Community Involvement in Education. Retrieved 23 March 2015, from http://www.nea.org/assets/docs/PB11_ParentInvolvement08.pdf
Rimm-Kaufman, (n.d).Improving Students' Relationships with Teachers to Provide Essential Supports for Learning.American Psychological Association. Retrieved 23 March 2015, from http://www.apa.org/education/k12/relationships.aspx
W.A.M.A (n.d).West African Montessori Association. Retrieved 23 March 2015, from http://wama.com.gh/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=62:the-favourable-environment&catid=35:current&Itemid=73