Sand vs Bricks
“Schools are certainly not equally distributed among the “seeds,” “bricks,” and “sand” categories.” P 270 (Slavin, 2005)
I have volunteered in two very different yet dynamic schools in Windsor which allowed me to relate to this quote. My experiences in those schools combined with reading this article, allowed me to come to the realization that not all schools are the same. In our area, the schools fall under the three various categories outlined by Slavin. Factors like demographics and socio economics play a big part in the development of our schools and our identities.
I have volunteered in both a sand school and a brick school. During my time in the sand school I noticed things like breakfast programs that help the children who come from less fortunate households get fed throughout the day and concentrate in class. I have also volunteered at a school that could fall under the classification of a brick school, Tecumseh Vista Academy. TVA is one of three Ontario Ministry of Education pilot project schools. It has implemented the full-day early learning programs designed to provide the students with opportunity for success. It is also the first school designed to accommodate Kindergarten to Grade 12 in Windsor & Essex County; currently the school serves JK to grade 9 students with plans of expanding to grade 12 over the next few years. They have not changed the curriculum however the physical structure of an open concept design is different from other schools.
A.D
Slavin, R. E. (2005). Sand, bricks, and seeds: School change strategies and readiness for reform. In D. Hopkins (Ed.), The Practice and Theory of School Improvement (pp. 265-279). Netherlands: Springer.
I have volunteered in two very different yet dynamic schools in Windsor which allowed me to relate to this quote. My experiences in those schools combined with reading this article, allowed me to come to the realization that not all schools are the same. In our area, the schools fall under the three various categories outlined by Slavin. Factors like demographics and socio economics play a big part in the development of our schools and our identities.
I have volunteered in both a sand school and a brick school. During my time in the sand school I noticed things like breakfast programs that help the children who come from less fortunate households get fed throughout the day and concentrate in class. I have also volunteered at a school that could fall under the classification of a brick school, Tecumseh Vista Academy. TVA is one of three Ontario Ministry of Education pilot project schools. It has implemented the full-day early learning programs designed to provide the students with opportunity for success. It is also the first school designed to accommodate Kindergarten to Grade 12 in Windsor & Essex County; currently the school serves JK to grade 9 students with plans of expanding to grade 12 over the next few years. They have not changed the curriculum however the physical structure of an open concept design is different from other schools.
A.D
Slavin, R. E. (2005). Sand, bricks, and seeds: School change strategies and readiness for reform. In D. Hopkins (Ed.), The Practice and Theory of School Improvement (pp. 265-279). Netherlands: Springer.