Models for School Improvement

Using Public Space as an Open Forum

Here are some similarities:

• The agora was the central meeting place for citizens of the community, as the school building is an important focal structure for urban communities.

• The agora was the center for all communication, as the school is responsible for many forms of communication today.

• The agora served to inform its citizens, as the school must inform its students and parents.

• The agora was where governing took place, as a school with site-based management must govern itself.

• The agora was run as a true democracy, as schools should be run.

• The agora was open to the public, as a school building is public property.

• Everyone in the community was involved in the activities of the agora, as should everyone be involved in the activities of the school.

Let's also look at examples of public space from other components of ancient Greek culture. Within the agora, there was the stoa and the gymnasium also used as public meeting spaces, where the Greeks could carry on discourse and communicate important information, since each was a place for physical and intellectual pastimes. Each of these places served to connect the community and to involve its citizens.

Using public space as an open forum for discussion alleviates the negative consequences of isolation. In education isolation of teachers, administrators, and parents is great. Everyone who has a stake in the school's success will be more likely to acknowledge responsibility and share ideas if feelings of isolation can be removed. All it takes is the willingness to extent oneself and move towards action.

From Greek literature, Plato's Allegory of the Cave offers the best challenge for people to take that risk. One interpretation might be that the Allegory of the Cave was Plato's way of inspiring readers into action. Is it saying, move out of the dark and into the light? Take the risk, leave behind the comfort of what feels safe and explore a new beginning...

The Greek's use of the propylaea, as a monumental gateway into a temple, provides us with another good model to explore. The propylaea serves to prepare the minds of those who are entering the temple. It is a place in which the Greek's reflect upon was is to come, which is a worthwhile model for schools to call upon. This entranceway enabled the Greeks to mentally prepare for what lay ahead- just as schools prepare students for their futures. Don't schools function as the gateways to student success and achievement?

To help you reason through this domain, it might be worthwhile to reflect upon the answers to these questions: Are we open-minded when it comes to our children's education? Are we willing to move towards change before we know the end result? Are our communities strong enough to shoulder shared responsibility? Are our schools run democratically? How can they become more democratic in nature? Do people avoid communication and open discourse with one another? What ideas, attitudes, and solutions can come from open discussion? Are you willing to explore unknown territory?

Read Plato's Allegory of the Cave. Reflect on your impression of his work. What does it say to you? When there is an opportunity to actively participate in the reform of your child's school, will you be committed to its cause?