The Student's Role in Education
by Brandon Giltner, EMS Assisant Principal
February 05, 2010
With Christmas Break ending and having some extra days off due to the snow that has blanketed the area, I felt it was a good time to remind students of their responsibilities for academic success. Success in the classroom is a cooperative effort between students, their parents, as well as their teachers. Not one group is solely responsible, but by working together we can ensure students success. If students can perform the following three responsibilities, they are well on their way.
1. Attend school regularly
2. Put forth their best effort to learn each day
3. Bring the necessary materials to perform the job at hand
Here at JCN we are very proud of our attendance record and place it as a priority. Last year, according to our state report, attendance at the EMS building was 94%. If each student understands the importance of attending school and parents understand that it is their responsibility to ensure their child is at school each and every day, students increase their chances of being successful in learning.
Students must then make a conscience effort to put forth their best effort to learn each day. I tell my own two children that school is their job. They must complete all assigned tasks on time, pay attention and be an active participant in classroom discussions, and follow all the established guidelines. As parents encourage their children to perform their best, the routines they have established in their homes are equally important. Creating a quiet place for homework to be completed, a specified time to complete homework, and their positive encouragement and assistance is appreciated by their child. A consistent bed time for students also ensures they are well rested and alert so that they put forth their best effort each day.
Student’s being responsible to bring the necessary materials to perform the assigned task is the last piece of the puzzle. A student’s good attendance and effort would go to waste if they did not come to class prepared with all the materials that they need to perform their job. Both teachers and parents can remind and encourage students, but it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to be prepared for class each day.
As I stated above, all three parties must be involved and working toward the same goal for a successful conclusion. With the positive encouragement of both teachers and parents, students can develop these good habits while they are young and attending school. And as they become productive adults they will perform to the best of their abilities at whatever path their lives may take them.
