When thinking about the effects of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, one may not realize the massive affect on education this devastation placed. Many schools were closed and destroyed. Hundreds of thousands of students were displaced in the New Orleans and Mississippi area.
Displaced students were integrated into schools of neighboring states. Teachers also had to find new jobs because of school closures. Millions of dollars in aid were approve by congress and given to the schools which took in displaced children from hurricane Katrina.
Adjusting to a new school can be difficult for students. Displaced students had to adjust to new schools systems, classrooms, teachers, peers and curriculum. The pressure and stress that this devastation placed on students was tremendous. Aid given to these schools helped foster adequate support and education for these students.
Being able to relate and teach these students was very important; therefore picking a school that fit their child’s needs was an important task for parents and guardians.
Parents play a vital role in achievement of their children. Parents should understand their child’s ability and needs, making sure that the school the child attends fits those needs. Teachers need to assess students in their classrooms as well, understand the diversity of the classroom and the different styles of teaching. Students come from various backgrounds and relate differently to educational situations and learning.
The results of Hurricane did not affect my educational or teaching experience personally, however I believe we can learn from the decisions made regarding education after Hurricane Katrina. It is important to evaluate schools often. When we see failure, assess the problems and make changes within the education program to better the education system. The education system of New Orleans overall was underperforming before Hurricane Katrina. This devastation allowed opportunities for changes to be made.
Hurricane Katrina has brought changes to the education system in New Orleans. Schools have made turn-arounds and had the opportunity to start over, setting new expectations and goals. The storm was used as an opportunity to build a strong and more effective school system.
When students are underperforming changes have to be made. A change in leadership is sometimes the answer for school achievement. I have personally witnessed this in the school in which I work. The education of children in schools is a team effort. It is the responsibility of school personal, parents, students and the community.
Reference:
Goodman, John C. (October 13, 2005). Educating the Children of Katrina. In National Center for Policy Analysis. Retrieved November 9, 2011, from www.ncpa.org
