Learning about effective schools from a master
A group of education majors had a rare opportunity to put a face with a name while learning about effective schools during a field trip this week. On Tuesday, thirty-eight teacher education candidates traveled to the Appalachian region of Stewart, Ohio, to visit Federal Hocking Middle and High School. The trip was an opportunity to meet Dr. George Wood, the author of their required reading for the course Principles of Teaching.
Dr. Wood, who is the school’s principal, met with Heidelberg students for a 90-minute question-and-answer session to discuss his work. His writing is based on his extensive travel around the United States, researching elementary, middle and high schools. After reading his book, titled Schools That Work, students had an opportunity to meet and engage with Dr. Wood’s own school as they met with teachers and students throughout the day.
Dr. Wood is working closely with Gov. Ted Strickland on ways Ohio can improve and make the state proficiency testing system more relevant.
“What is outstanding about Federal Hocking Middle and High School is that they serve one of the poorest school populations in Ohio, yet they obtain proficiency tests scores that are excellent,” said Dr. Brian Haley, who teaches the course. “What is more important for our teacher education teacher candidates to see is that the teachers at this school do not worry about drilling and killing students as they prepare for the state-mandated tests. They use good practices that engage the students.”
Haley added that the main mission and focus is on creating committed and responsible democratic citizens when they graduate. Heidelberg students witnessed how the culture of the school and the quality of the teaching faculty make a real difference to the learning of a student.
“Hopefully, it gave them a sense of what effective teaching is all about.”
Posted on April 17, 2009