ICC English

School Improvement Essay

Chapter 6 in The Concise Guide to Writing examines the process of writing an essay that “proposes a solution.” The writers of the text insist that a successful proposal “depends on a questioning attitude [. . .], imagination, and creativity.” They further argue that an effective proposal will clearly establish the existence of a problem, will include a thorough and “credible” solution to the problem, will anticipate readers’ likely objections, and will be supported by “a combination of assertions based on the writer’s own experience and references to reputable research.” Mike Palmquist, in Joining the Conversation, concurs, insisting that, “problem-solving essays offer a reflective and comprehensive treatment of a problem [. . .] offering the writer’s personal insights into the problem, the situation out of which it emerges, and the reasons why the proposed solution is preferable to competing solutions.”

In an article in the Chicago Sun-Times, former Chicago mayor Richard Daley lamented that high schools were often ineffective, in part, because they were “boring” and suggested “maybe we have to change our [. . .] system”. Daley’s comments underscore a growing dissatisfaction with American schools. However, while many people are anxious to criticize schools, far fewer actually offer credible suggestions for improving American education.

Your assignment is to compose an essay in which you reflect on the quality of education offered at Princeville High School and then propose two specific improvements that would positively impact the school. Your suggestions may range from physical improvements to the building to changes in the curriculum, from modified instruction techniques to changes in the way technology is utilized. Whatever specific suggestions you put forward, you must be sure to articulate clearly why each change is necessary and subsequently explain how Princeville High School will be improved as a result. Moreover, your essay must be supplemented by research (quotes, comments, statistics, etc.) done by people, like you, who are searching for ways to improve education.

Ultimately, as college-bound students in your final year of high school, I think you are incredibly well-equipped to comment on the effectiveness (or ineffectiveness) of secondary education and to offer compelling ideas about how to make positive changes. I encourage you to use this essay as an opportunity to envision the sort of school you think would have inspired you and enhanced your experience as a student.

School Improvement Essay Schedule

11/16 Intro School Improvement Essay / “School Improvement” discussion / Assign reading in ch. 9-10 in Palmquist

11/18 Research in library. (Focus on finding quotes/statistics that illustrate the need to re-examine contemporary education and examples of innovative ideas that have worked at other schools.)

11/22 Work on a brief Outline (Due at the end of the period) / Works Cited

11/29 Write Essay

12/1 Write Essay