3-minute read
Sherae’a Moore
| Special to the USA TODAY Network
Whether you are a seasoned educator, an administrator, school support staff, a parent or a student, one thing is clear: the state of education fundamentally changed after the COVID-19 pandemic. It has not only exposed but also exacerbated pre-existing inequities that many have faced for far too long. We have all felt the impact, and it is imperative that we come together to navigate this new reality, ensuring that every student and staff member has the support and resources they need to succeed.
Some of the changes have been positive, like a new focus on student mental health and the integration of new technologies into the classroom. However, some changes have been less encouraging, particularly the rise in student behavior issues.
The problem of student behavior is well documented, in classrooms here in Delaware and across the nation. In response, the General Assembly created the School Climate and Student Behavior Task Force to develop practical, effective solutions to this issue.
As an educator, a lawmaker, and the vice-chair of this task force, I have been deeply involved in these conversations and have seen firsthand that each district faces unique challenges. A one-size-fits-all approach simply will NOT work. Instead, we need holistic strategies that consider the needs of every school and every student.
For the past several months, our task force has brought together educators, administrators, support staff, and legislators from across the state to discuss the causes of student behavior problems, possible solutions, and the creative practices that are already showing promise.
Some districts have seen improvements by reforming out-of-school suspensions, reducing reliance on this practice and finding more productive ways to address behavior issues. Others have found that offering free breakfast and lunch has had a positive impact, ensuring students are coming to the classroom ready to learn. In other districts, reducing class sizes or increasing the number of dedicated mental health professionals has made a noticeable difference in the classroom environment.
These solutions are not theoretical, they are being developed and implemented by the professionals who are most impacted by these issues, the educators and administrators working in our schools every day.
Addressing student behavior is not just about maintaining order in the classroom, it is also about creating an environment where teachers and support staff can do their jobs effectively while feeling safe and supported in their classrooms.
A recent survey from the Delaware State Education Association found that nearly 1 in 5 teachers in Delaware have been physically injured by students, while 1 in 3 worries about their physical safety. Many teachers are losing valuable hours of instruction time and, even worse, many are contemplating leaving the profession due to burnout and frustration. This situation is unsustainable.
As we wrap up the work of our task force and prepare to submit our final recommendations in November, I want all Delawareans to know that we take our work very seriously and I have no doubt that the recommendations we propose will be thoughtful, practical, and grounded in the real needs of our schools. We MUST get this right — for the future of our schools, for the well-being of our educators and, most importantly, for the success of our students.
State Rep. Sherae’a Moore represents the 8th district. She is vice-chair of the House Education Committee and the School Climate and Student Behavior Task Force.
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Publish date : 2024-09-25 21:53:00
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