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Old-School Teaching, Modern Success
I was really impressed by a recent visit to a unique Tulsa school.
It only takes kids from low-income families who are behind on their studies.
But instead of struggling to keep them in school, it’s graduating honors students.
It’s not being done with technology and new math.
Instead it’s the result of some “old school” methods.
Small classes of 12 allow the teachers to develop real relationships with the kids.
Plus there’s a lot of hard work with emphasis on the basics like reading.
Discipline and courtesy are also keys to the process.
When visitors like me enter the building, every student lines-up to introduce themselves and shake hands.
“Welcome to San Miguel, I’m Jose.”
San Miguel Middle School is a Catholic school near 1st and Lewis.
It cost $6000 a year per student, with almost all of it coming from donations.
The bottom line is, it shows what teachers can accomplish when they’re allowed to really teach a small number of young people.
It’s not about fancy facilities and computers.
It’s about giving teachers a chance to make real connections with the kids.
Charles Ely KTUL-TV
http://sanmigueltulsa.org/index.html
