This field experience reflection is based on the review of the regular Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education meeting that took place on March 10, 2020. The meeting lasted almost four hours and the participants discussed several major topics (Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education, 2020). The central themes included adult education, mathematics textbooks, enrollment project, Census 2020, coronavirus, world down syndrome awareness day, procurement actions, multi-year projections, internship permits, and access to student healthcare.
Public comments were also heard, and the covered topic was the use of chemical weapons by school police. All these areas are relevant to the community and the improvement of the educational system. Two of the discussed subjects deserve specific attention, and these were coronavirus and census. Schools were seen as an important element of the upcoming census process, so it is but logical that the board pays specific attention to this area. The spread of the infection and measures undertaken to keep people safe was specifically relevant in March when the new disease reached the United States.
The board included people specializing in different fields related to the educational sphere. The members of the board included educators, superintendents, and student community representatives. This kind of composition of the board was effective because the representatives of different groups of stakeholders understood the needs of these groups and could focus on their interests.
As far as the present individuals are concerned, these included former and current principals, educators, students’ parents, and students. Each of these people was interested in addressing a specific problem that was persistent in Los Angeles schools. The participation of students was remarkable as it shows the involvement of these stakeholders in the process of educational system improvement.
I was not surprised to see all those people at the meeting, but I was glad when the speakers drew the attention of the board to the existing problems. I also found the participation of a student with a specific health condition valuable because all the participants could see that they were doing the right things.
I would like to note that the diversity among the individuals in attendance and the presenters was apparent. The people who participated in the meeting differed in terms of gender, ethnicity, and age, which was important for the effective management process. I believe this diversity ensures the sustainable development of the educational sphere in the area. I listened to the provided arguments carefully and could not but agree with all the parties. The dialogue was constructive as the members of the board, and the presenters were willing to identify issues and develop solutions.
Apart from specific details and facts regarding coronavirus, census 2020, and other topics discussed during the meeting, I learned valuable lessons. The board was the place where important questions were addressed. For instance, the allocation of funds was discussed, and it was clear that the members of the board were committed to ensuring the most efficient use of the budget.
I could see that the meeting was the platform for sharing ideas and looking for solutions. I also saw the exact procedures such as the presentation of some data, asking questions, providing recommendations, informing others, and so on. I acknowledged the benefits of properly designed presentations facilitated by the use of technology (for instance, PowerPoint presentations).
As a teacher, I will be able to use these lessons in many ways. First, I will always remember that the meetings will always be the place where I will be able to raise relevant questions if necessary. I will use some new skills when giving presentations. Some of the presenters were not completely ready for all the asked questions.
When preparing presentations, I will put any questions that may arise and will try to answer them. I will also become a more active participant in the life of the educational community. I have certain ideas concerning the improvements that can make our school more successful. I will develop these ideas into sound plans and address our administrators, which will be the first step in the process of change.
I will be ready to participate in board meetings in the future. I will also encourage my students to be active participants in the life of their school and their community. Finally, I will show that every person, irrespective of age or any other feature, can make a difference by taking part in an educational board meeting.
References
Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education. (2020). 03-10-20 Regular Board of Education Meeting 1:00 PM [Video file]. Web.