Voices from the inside

COMMUNITY VOICES

In fall of 1997, twenty two aspiring teachers were thrown together and placed at either Morse High School or O'Farrell Community School. For some of us this was our first encounter with this part of San Diego. For some of us this was our first experience with this community. For others it was an introduction to the vast cultures and people this community has to offer. Our own Voices from the Inside gave us insight into the opinions and attitudes of teachers and staff at our locations, the community and parent members who surround us and the students we teach.

There was a good variety of responses from members of O'Farrell Middle School, and Morse High School. The answers ranged from the general, to the specific. From the personal, to school-wide. In analyzing the data, a major trend became evident early, as well as several minor trends. Of utmost concern, judging from responses, was the over-riding issue of safety. In fact, the terms "safe," and "safety" are mentioned in 13 separate responses by students, teachers, and parents. With "safety" being the major voiced issue, it's somewhat surprising to find that the rest of the data does not seem to support the concern about safety. The question regarding "worst school experiences" should have reflected safety issues. This was not the case.

When reviewing responses to the question of "worst school experiences," (Click here to see data.) there is no mention by respondents of danger, fighting, gang-activity, or personal risk at all. If there is major concern for safety, what is the basis for it...if it was not from personal experience? There are several plausible answers. Perhaps it is a stigma attached to these schools from earlier time periods, when there was more trouble on the campuses and in the community. Sort of a lingering bad reputation. Another possibility is that the concerns for school safety are societal in nature. By that, we mean that through media exposure of isolated events at schools throughout the nation, society has become focused on school safety. The recent shooting at a Kentucky school is a tragic example. But this suggests that school safety is generic in nature. The analysis of this data would therefore not mean that O'Farrell Middle School or Morse High School have more risk for students. Rather, it is schools in general that are perceived by society as more dangerous than they should be.

O'Farrell Community School students looking smart in their school uniforms

Many people remember only the bad experiences of their high school years. When asked to recall the more positive aspects of their secondary education their responses are remarkably similar. In fact, many of the people interviewed had similar responses of both likes and dislikes of their education.

Over half of the respondents, within the, "what I liked about school" category, (Click here to see data.) made reference to enjoying their school experience because it enhanced or expanded their knowledge of the world. One interviewee simply stated that he felt the satisfaction of grasping new ideas.

The social aspect of high school experience also figured prominently into many of the responses. Still, the acquisition of knowledge seemed to be the most pronounced trend within the group.

The "bad school experience" ranged from bad attitudes among teachers, such as playing favorite's or only wanting to work with "good" students to a dislike of the school hours.

Much of what the faculty disliked were large class sizes and the general inefficiency of public education.It is interesting to see the similarity between such a small group of respondents.We suspect we would find comparable results throughout the entire class project with more than 100 respondents.

The perceived need for smaller classes was also evident when looking through the responses to the question..."If you could design the perfect school, what would it be like?" (Click here to see data.) We were struck by the fact that nearly every respondent mentioned smaller classes. We were not surprised by this comment considering that classes regularly have more than 40 students. As teachers, we know that class overcrowding makes it very difficult to provide individualized instruction to students who need help. These class reduction policies being implemented in the elementary grades needs to be expanded to all grades. Several people also mentioned the need for clean well stocked schools. Many of our schools were built more than 30 years ago and could desperately use some remodeling. The bathrooms that students are forced to use are often filthy and lack toilet paper. There were several respondents who mentioned the need for specialized and individualized attention for students. Based on data analysis, the lack of specialized attention is a result of overcrowding and increasing teacher loads.

The Morse Tiger

What we discovered about the components and people that make up this community is that it's not very different from any other place or neighborhood. Everyone, despite age, occupation, and level of involvement, is concerned with what is best for their community. Despite the concerns expressed by the community over safety and insufficient resources, the problems aren't perceived as insurmountable. Through community involvement of parents, students, and faculty, these concerns can be addressed. Then, the learning environment of this San Diego community can be elevated to a more satisfactory level of academic achievement.

What have you liked about your experience(s) in school

Student A

inter activities (field trips, Laboratory experiments, etch) and gaining life skills

Student B

My friends and the social, I like my math class it challenges my mind.

Student C

Get a chance to learn good things.

Student D

Field trips. Group work. Hanging out with people with all different levels and experiences. Having different teachers instead of the same ones. Being able to use computers in my classes.

Faculty A

I love taking courses in history. I thoroughly enjoy being a student as well as a teacher. Expanding my knowledge & passing that on to my students is very rewarding

Faculty B

It's a safe place, chance for recognition, rewards for enriching the mind.

Faculty C

The satisfaction from discovering and grasping new ideas about the world. Having expanded my perspective was extremely useful when trying to understand the modern world.

Faculty D

That I was successful in my classes. I did well. I was never the class dummy, so I guess that made it successful. Looking back, I had a really positive experience. I never lacked confidence.

Parent A

I liked that I was given the opportunity to learn many different subjects at once.

Parent B

Good sense of equality.

Parent C

Athletic programs, I also liked science and geography, but individual teachers can make it good or bad.

Parent D

I liked to listen to teachers because I liked to learn about new stuff.

(Go back.)

What have you disliked about your experience(s) in school?

Student A

Bad attitudes of other students, bathroom environment, teachers who don't teach.

Student B

Have to learn a lot of boring things.

Student C

Having no locker at all and then I can't leave my books at school. That's not fair because I can't carry all these book everyday. I have too many.

Student D

The hours! Some of the teachers. They always pressure you and give you stupid speeches. The required classes like Spanish.

Faculty A

Long lines (SDSU) Large class sizes, inefficiency of public education (especially use of monies)

Faculty B

Intolerance from teachers, students, and other adults.

Faculty C

I enjoyed my high school experience. Of course, I went to a very small school.

Faculty D

It would have been nice to have more cooperative learning projects. I always had to work alone. It would have been nice to have had big group projects.

Parent A

The other children. Kids can be mean when you're young.

Parent B

Some teachers that play favorites. They only want to work with kids who easily grasp the subject matter and not with the kids who were struggling. They create a discipline problem with the students. They put themselves in an unprofessional opinion.

Parent C

Kids are more rude nowadays and there is unclear communication between the school office and the rest of the world.

Parent D

To get up early. Homework. One thing I really hated a lot is when they made me get up in front of the class. I was kind of embarrassed and I got real red all of the time.

(Go back.)

What kinds of schools do you think your family wants for you? Why?

Student A

A safe environment because we spend a majority of our young lives in school. A teaching school. A school that seems concerned about it's students.

Student B

Safe place that teaches what we need to know.

Student C

One that is safe and has computers and good teachers. Because they want me to get a good paying job after high school.

Student D

Public because it's the greatest education around because some of out tax dollars go to the teachers and we want out taxes worth. To get a good education. To learn what I need to live in what we call everyday life. To learn the rules and speak right. To learn the constitution and what it stands for. Is that good enough?

What kind of schools do you think teachers want for students?

Student A

A school that teaches and has a good reputation. A school that includes all types of students in it's programs

Student B

Kids behave better.

Student C

Same thing. Teachers probably want safe schools and less kids.

Student D

Ones that will help us through our lives. Ones that will help with our future.

What kind of schools do you think teachers want for students?

Parent A

I think teachers want a school where students feel comfortable in their environments such and that the students want to learn.

Parent B

Safe from outside world. Nobody beats up on kids, adults don't make fun of, learn to best of ability.

Parent C

They want schools that have more money for books, better classrooms and and programs that encourage students to learn.

Parent D

Teachers should want a safe school for their students.

What advice do you have for new teachers coming into this profession

Parent A

To be good to your students and understand that not all of them are gonna like you or history. But you have to tell them about their culture and history to get them connected.

Parent B

Most kids do want to learn so be interesting...not dull.

Parent C

Listen to the children. Be sympathetic to those with special needs.

Parent D

Don't be scared. You can go anywhere with this profession you want to go, just as long as you're good at it.

What kind of schools do you think parent/community members want for students?

Faculty A

A school that provides for the needs of each and every student while turning out high-caliber students.

Faculty B

A place that's safe. A school that meets the communities needs and the students needs. A school that can graduate effective, bright community members.

Faculty C

Safe and nurturing. Allow for multiple entry points/abilities where their child can succeed.

Faculty D

Safe, challenging, supportive, encouraging...

What kinds of schools do you think students want for themselves?

Faculty A

Safe, recognized as positive influence. Prepared for the future. Not totally ignored.

Faculty B

A safe school that actively helps them succeed. A place where teachers are approachable and helpful and the resources are available

Faculty C

A safe and stimulating environment.

Faculty D

Safe, comfortable, interesting and fun.

If you could design the perfect school, what would it be like?

Student A

Small groups of kids together. Nice trees and grass.

Student B

Less test, less students, more time in the passing period

Student C

Smaller class sizes. Better learning environment. Teachers who want to be teaching or at least know how to teach. Students who want to learn and be taught. Clean bathrooms with toilet paper and good soap. Teachers who actually take the time to learn your name. More funding for our programs. LOCKERS! or class sets of books.

Student D

Lots of teachers and few students. Like a home study where we can get help if we need it and talk with our friends for help too. Wear what we like to be comfortable, but never do drugs. Have computers for those people who need it. Counseling. No bells. There's no bells when you go to work, you just clock in. You have to be there for six hours, you should be able to clock in when you like as long as you're there for six hours. Field trips. Go and see things done by other people. It's always better to see it done than to just read about it. It's always easier to understand that way.

Faculty A

Small clustered, village like. Trees, grass and water. Teams of trained specialist would work together meeting the educational needs of happy, well fed, socially adjusted kids, with a ratio of 12:1.

Faculty B

Small classes and all the amenities.

Faculty C

First and most important, smaller classes. I would plan for plenty of materials and resources. For example, we need at least 2 or 3 more copy machines and effective people to run them. I would have more benches and tables where students could eat at lunch and more trash cans and each department would meet regularly.

Faculty D

Incredibly clean almost immaculate. Well stocked, very productive, and very serious.

Parent A

It would have programs that strengthen their weaker points so they'd be more ready for the future. I'd design or incorporate areas their good at with subjects their not good at.

Parent B

The perfect school would have bright colors and lots of plants around. It would be a one story building, possible with many other buildings with classrooms. It would have books for every student as well as computers for every student. It would be a place kids would want to go.

Parent C

Smaller classes (15-20) for individual attention to progress at own pace. Inclusion doesn't work--->not enough time for both ends of the spectrum. Educational family set-up. Each in own building with plenty of windows. Multi use with gym and library

Parent D

I am not from here and the schools in Mexico are really bad. So, I think the schools here are close to perfect. Maybe the schools could be a little safer, but they are much better.

Go Back

	What have you liked about your experience(s) in school
Student A	inter activities (field trips, Laboratory experiments, etch) and gaining life skills
Student B	My friends and the social, I like my math class it challenges my mind.
Student C	Get a chance to learn good things.
Student D	Field trips. Group work. Hanging out with people with all different levels and experiences. Having different teachers instead of the same ones. Being able to use computers in my classes.
Faculty A	I love taking courses in history. I thoroughly enjoy being a student as well as a teacher. Expanding my knowledge & passing that on to my students is very rewarding
Faculty B	It's a safe place, chance for recognition, rewards for enriching the mind.
Faculty C	The satisfaction from discovering and grasping new ideas about the world. Having expanded my perspective was extremely useful when trying to understand the modern world.
Faculty D	That I was successful in my classes. I did well. I was never the class dummy, so I guess that made it successful. Looking back, I had a really positive experience. I never lacked confidence.
Parent A	I liked that I was given the opportunity to learn many different subjects at once.
Parent B	Good sense of equality.
Parent C	Athletic programs, I also liked science and geography, but individual teachers can make it good or bad.
Parent D	I liked to listen to teachers because I liked to learn about new stuff.
	(Go back.)

	What have you disliked about your experience(s) in school?
Student A	Bad attitudes of other students, bathroom environment, teachers who don't teach.
Student B	Have to learn a lot of boring things.
Student C	Having no locker at all and then I can't leave my books at school. That's not fair because I can't carry all these book everyday. I have too many.
Student D	The hours! Some of the teachers. They always pressure you and give you stupid speeches. The required classes like Spanish.
Faculty A	Long lines (SDSU) Large class sizes, inefficiency of public education (especially use of monies)
Faculty B	Intolerance from teachers, students, and other adults.
Faculty C	I enjoyed my high school experience. Of course, I went to a very small school.
Faculty D	It would have been nice to have more cooperative learning projects. I always had to work alone. It would have been nice to have had big group projects.
Parent A	The other children. Kids can be mean when you're young.
Parent B	Some teachers that play favorites. They only want to work with kids who easily grasp the subject matter and not with the kids who were struggling. They create a discipline problem with the students. They put themselves in an unprofessional opinion.
Parent C	Kids are more rude nowadays and there is unclear communication between the school office and the rest of the world.
Parent D	To get up early. Homework. One thing I really hated a lot is when they made me get up in front of the class. I was kind of embarrassed and I got real red all of the time.
	(Go back.)

	What kinds of schools do you think your family wants for you? Why?
Student A	A safe environment because we spend a majority of our young lives in school. A teaching school. A school that seems concerned about it's students.
Student B	Safe place that teaches what we need to know.
Student C	One that is safe and has computers and good teachers. Because they want me to get a good paying job after high school.
Student D	Public because it's the greatest education around because some of out tax dollars go to the teachers and we want out taxes worth. To get a good education. To learn what I need to live in what we call everyday life. To learn the rules and speak right. To learn the constitution and what it stands for. Is that good enough?

	What kind of schools do you think teachers want for students?
Student A	A school that teaches and has a good reputation. A school that includes all types of students in it's programs
Student B	Kids behave better.
Student C	Same thing. Teachers probably want safe schools and less kids.
Student D	Ones that will help us through our lives. Ones that will help with our future.

	What kind of schools do you think teachers want for students?
Parent A	I think teachers want a school where students feel comfortable in their environments such and that the students want to learn.
Parent B	Safe from outside world. Nobody beats up on kids, adults don't make fun of, learn to best of ability.
Parent C	They want schools that have more money for books, better classrooms and and programs that encourage students to learn.

Parent D	Teachers should want a safe school for their students.

	What advice do you have for new teachers coming into this profession
Parent A	To be good to your students and understand that not all of them are gonna like you or history. But you have to tell them about their culture and history to get them connected.
Parent B	Most kids do want to learn so be interesting...not dull.
Parent C	Listen to the children. Be sympathetic to those with special needs.
Parent D	Don't be scared. You can go anywhere with this profession you want to go, just as long as you're good at it.

	What kind of schools do you think parent/community members want for students?
Faculty A	A school that provides for the needs of each and every student while turning out high-caliber students.
Faculty B	A place that's safe. A school that meets the communities needs and the students needs. A school that can graduate effective, bright community members.
Faculty C	Safe and nurturing. Allow for multiple entry points/abilities where their child can succeed.
Faculty D	Safe, challenging, supportive, encouraging...

	What kinds of schools do you think students want for themselves?
Faculty A	Safe, recognized as positive influence. Prepared for the future. Not totally ignored.
Faculty B	A safe school that actively helps them succeed. A place where teachers are approachable and helpful and the resources are available
Faculty C	A safe and stimulating environment.
Faculty D	Safe, comfortable, interesting and fun.

	If you could design the perfect school, what would it be like?
Student A	Small groups of kids together. Nice trees and grass.
Student B	Less test, less students, more time in the passing period
Student C	Smaller class sizes. Better learning environment. Teachers who want to be teaching or at least know how to teach. Students who want to learn and be taught. Clean bathrooms with toilet paper and good soap. Teachers who actually take the time to learn your name. More funding for our programs. LOCKERS! or class sets of books.
Student D	Lots of teachers and few students. Like a home study where we can get help if we need it and talk with our friends for help too. Wear what we like to be comfortable, but never do drugs. Have computers for those people who need it. Counseling. No bells. There's no bells when you go to work, you just clock in. You have to be there for six hours, you should be able to clock in when you like as long as you're there for six hours. Field trips. Go and see things done by other people. It's always better to see it done than to just read about it. It's always easier to understand that way.
Faculty A	Small clustered, village like. Trees, grass and water. Teams of trained specialist would work together meeting the educational needs of happy, well fed, socially adjusted kids, with a ratio of 12:1.
Faculty B	Small classes and all the amenities.

Faculty C	First and most important, smaller classes. I would plan for plenty of materials and resources. For example, we need at least 2 or 3 more copy machines and effective people to run them. I would have more benches and tables where students could eat at lunch and more trash cans and each department would meet regularly.
Faculty D	Incredibly clean almost immaculate. Well stocked, very productive, and very serious.
Parent A	It would have programs that strengthen their weaker points so they'd be more ready for the future. I'd design or incorporate areas their good at with subjects their not good at.
Parent B	The perfect school would have bright colors and lots of plants around. It would be a one story building, possible with many other buildings with classrooms. It would have books for every student as well as computers for every student. It would be a place kids would want to go.
Parent C	Smaller classes (15-20) for individual attention to progress at own pace. Inclusion doesn't work--->not enough time for both ends of the spectrum. Educational family set-up. Each in own building with plenty of windows. Multi use with gym and library
Parent D	I am not from here and the schools in Mexico are really bad. So, I think the schools here are close to perfect. Maybe the schools could be a little safer, but they are much better.