Initiatives, strengths and weaknesses of School Programs

Initiatives, strengths and weaknesses of Sunshine School District Programs
Every school has a set of objectives that they need to achieve by the end of a certain period of time. These objectives may include initiatives that might lead to better understanding by learners hence better grades at the end of their study. Each school is therefore, very keen on which initiatives to consider so as to achieve their goals. In my district for example, as teachers from different schools, we have come up with several district programs which include the reading programs and the standardized test scores. These however, vary from school to school.

I will deal with two schools from Sunshine School district. In both schools, there are several similarities in their learning programs which include; a multi-dimensional program which includes experimental learning, mentorship and homework support. Experimental learning in both schools is viewed important since learners are able to do experiments on their own after the teacher’s help. Learners are hence able to familiarize with topics which require experiments in subjects like science and the like.
Mentorship programs on the other hand have been made possible in both schools. This is done by inviting leaders and other people who have prospered academically to talk to and mentor the learners. Majority of these people are alumnus of both schools and this really helps learners to take studies seriously so as to be like them. These programs are also achieved through taking learners for trips to excelling universities so as to encourage and make them work to get there.
Homework support is another similar program that the two schools in Sunshine School District practices. This is done through ensuring that the parents are able to follow up their children’s school work and also help them in homework. Parents are required to supervise their children’s work and even sign in the handbook to ensure that follow up has been done.
There are however, other different programs that include; after school and summer programs. After school programs are practiced in my school, Brookhurst Academy. These are done by tutors and students who are best in different subjects by tutoring them after school hours. Students who are weak in different subjects are able to get tutored and hence improve in their studies. This program has led to better attitude of learners towards school and performance as measured by standardized test scores and grades.
The other school, Hillcrest Academy has summer programs where learners are able to meet their teachers from any part of the world through internet. This is done by tutors giving assignments on different subjects online or even via a common email address. Learners from the same class are able to access the work and submit it in time for marking and grading.
Standardized tests on the other hand include open-ended short answer questions and essay questions. These are mostly administered at the end of the semester to learners from all schools in the district. It is assumed that the learners have already learnt up to a certain level hence testing is fair. After the tests are done, the learners are gauged through performance where we get to know the best performed school and the like. A teacher is therefore able to know the weaknesses of their leaners before the next test is administered. These tested however, can be leaked hence making it difficult to know the genuine learners and those who are not.
A checklist of factors important for successful multicultural efforts.
 A check list of factors should also guide teachers in creating a multicultural classroom environment. The first goal of a multicultural program is to assist children create a checklist of factors that are important to ensure the success of multicultural efforts within the classroom. It is important to help children recognize their differences as well as similarities among them. This creates an opportunity for them to see that even when people have different customs and traditions, they share some common traits too.
This can be done by; encouraging cooperative social skills. Children can work and get along with others better, despite their cultural backgrounds. This is so since they are able to see other’s viewpoints and individuality. The teacher should also have the knowledge of diverse cultures, especially those present in their learners. This will enable the teacher to tackle any problem that may arise in the classroom. The teacher should also have an attitude of acceptance and respect fir other cultures. Having a multicultural environment will consist of multicultural material, accepting and applauding diversity.