The Quality School by William Glasser, M.D.

-- Anonymous, December 14, 1998

Answers

The Quality School by William Glasser

I enjoyed Glassers insights on how teachers should provide students with the type of environment in which they are given opportunities to perform quality work. They are taught how important it is to set high standards for themselves. This is accomplished through lead-management which stresses fewer demands, patience, self esteem, creativity, educational freedom, cooperative grouping, and students being involved in assessing their own progress. Producing quality work takes priority over any type of grading system. As Glasser points out grades dont promote excellence, they defeat it. I can see how a student who consistently receives poor grades might feel that school is not meeting his/her needs and eventually tune out school altogether. Glasser contends that, through the lead- management process, students will not only do quality work, but also, learn social skills, leadership roles, responsibility, and be immersed in active and proactive learning.

As most people will agree, teachers today have a hard job. They are expected to be role models, provide guidance, be friend and confidante, and prove they have the capabilities to run a respectful, organized, and effective classroom. I strive to motivate and teach my students to produce good quality work, but Im afraid Glasser is right when he says they we sometimes, despite our best efforts, end up accepting low quality passing work. With the present system we now have it is hard for teachers to find the time to work with each student until quality work is produced. Yet, why should a student who is willing to do the work have to worry about receiving adequate help or about time constraints.

Starting a quality school is a great concept, but I feel its a little unrealistic. It would involve restructuring on the part of many educators who might not be willing participants. There are, however, some of Glassers concepts that can be followed without involving the whole school. I group the students in my classroom cooperatively. Some of the activities they do are done with their groups and some are done independently. I feel that this type of grouping promotes teamwork, reinforces productivity, encourages harmonious relationships, and allows students to build a kind of camaraderie with each other. By using a variety of effective management skills, I feel teachers, along with supportive parents, can help students realize that doing quality work can satisfy their needs and is in their best interest. It might not be the quickest or the easiest way but it will be the most worthwhile in the long run.

-- Anonymous, December 21, 1998