What is a Quality Education?

By Janet M. Orgill

How much better to say, "Every Child Encouraged Forward!" Toward that end, public schools must focus on improving their product, and delivering the quality education that students need to succeed.

A quality education is derived from several factors:
1. HIGH STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE: We must expect and assist each child to achieve his or her personal best.
2. ACCOUNTABILITY: Everyone must do his or her share, without shirking, blaming, or finger pointing. a. Students--in the end, they are responsible for their own learning. b. Teachers--must find ways to reach and teach every child. c. District--should maximize the use of resources, and support the administration and faculty they have put in place. d. Families--strong families who value learning enhance the educational environment. e. Government--should fund the programs they legislate.
3. CONTINUOUS EVALUATION AND IMPROVEMENT: Where are we now? If we are good, let's work toward great. If we are excellent, let's be world-class.
4. PARTNERSHIPS: Working with stakeholders (those who have a "stake" in what we do) will improve what schools can offer to students and ensure that the education we offer is training for the real world.
5. INSPIRING LEARNING ENVIRONMENT: True education whets the appetite for more; practical applications of knowledge will create life-long learners.

A quality education will provide the next generation with the skills needed to lead and thrive in the Information Age.

Janet Orgill