There are several steps involved in a transition process that sees a high school move from one model to another. The transition could be taking place owing to the fact that the expectations of the citizens, the government and businesses at large are very high. The transitions mainly focus on improving high schools and implementing reforms that will help better the student’s performance closing the existing achievement gaps.
The first step that should be taken during a transition from one model to another includes identifying and analyzing the different schooling approaches in high schools. This will enable the administration make an evaluation on whether the new model adapted will improve the academic standards as expected or not. They then will adopt a model that will help them significantly improve on their academic standards and effectively meet the needs of the students.
After identifying a model which they are ready to adopt, they should consider the costs that will eventually be incurred in the transition process. The transition from an old model to a new model needs a lot financial input. Since it involves a lot of workforce in lying down the policies and strategies needed in the implementation of the new models structure and keep it operating.
The policies laid down should be based on the student’s preference keeping in mind that the learning resources to be used should be relevant. The new model should be able to address the diverse needs and the interests of the students in their own communities. Students with special needs should also not be ignored since they require a lot of attention and resources that will ease their learning process.
Having identified the policies and the strategies to be used in the new model, a most effective instruction method should be implemented and the method of instruction more engaging than the previous one adapted This will in the long run build up a cohesion among students and staff promoting a strong culture and bond amongst them helping them achieve their common goal.
The instructors and all those involved in the process are then taken for an intensive training so that they can easily understand the structure of the new model and adapt to it easily. Individuals who are well conversant with the models structures and its most effective way of functioning should conduct the training.
Some of the difficulties encountered in the transition process include lack of enough financial support to help in the implementation of the new model since it requires a lot of money to establish it. Secondly, some parents and students maybe opposed to the change since they feel that this will affect the student’ performance and it will cost them a lot more than they are already paying for.
Also there are a lot of legalities involved especially with the state board of education and the commissioner of education officials. This slows down the implementation process since there are some requirements that need to be met before the authorities give a go ahead for the new model to be implemented.
In conclusion, the transition process needs to be handled cautiously since it affects the students and the community at large. Also a lot of researches involving the transition need to have been thoroughly conducted so that the decisions that are later made from its conclusions are sound and not vague.
References
Garvin, D. (1998): Building a Learning Organization; In Harvard Business Review.
(Editor). Harvard Business Review on Knowledge Management; Boston. Harvard Business School Press, pages 47-80.
Greene, J. (2003). Public High School Graduation and College Readiness.
Rates in the United States, Center for Civic Innovation at the Manhattan Institute.