Lartigue 2010 SWOT Analysis – Trenton Education

 

EDUCATION IN TRENTON — THE CURRENT SITUATION

 

Strengths

 

* The school system continues to exist (has survived severe 

   difficulties).

 

* Some great teachers.

 

* Some special services, such as some attendance lapsing follow-up,

   guidance counseling, security.

 

* Various innovative approaches to education have been attempted at

   various schools.

 

Weaknesses

 

* Lack of parental involvement.  Lack of parental interest and/or

   awareness and/or ability regarding the behavioral and intellectual

   development and education of their children.  Some parents have low

   interest and ability themselves regarding education generally.  Parents,

   once they have the needed motivation, knowledge and ability, can

   know what they should expect regarding the efforts of their child, the

   teachers and administrators.  Note:  this was considered the most

   important weakness, and Ms. Lartigue provided a hand-out dated

   January 2008 regarding parental involvement.

 

* Lack of accountability for teachers, administrators — under-

   performing and misguided teachers and administrators.  People

   involved verbally and superficially promote the system, but in their

   daily activities manifest more self-promotion than dedication to child

   development and education.  (Ultimately the parents must hold the

   teachers and administrators accountable, so parents must have the

   education, interest and involvement required to sustain ably bring

   accountability to the system.)

 

* Loss of focus on the primary objective — education. Time and

   other resources spent on various recreational, social activities and

   services which are distractions from the purpose and objective of the

   school system.

 

* Lack of leadership.  Required to constantly inspire and motivate all

   persons involved to stay focused on the objective — to ardently

   dedicate themselves to serve the children and parents by promoting

   their education.

 

0pportunities

 

* Promote parental involvement using positive reinforcement and

   developing and maintaining good teacher-parent relationships.

 

* Teachers and administrators may take advantage of more continuing

   education.  In particular, the school board members might take

   advantage of the educational resources offered by the NJ School

   Boards Association, etc.

 

* Seek funding from non-government sources, which may become more

   possible if or when prospective sources are convinced that other

   factors for success are present in the system, such as demonstrated

   motivation for major and enduring improvement..

 

Threats

 

* Resistance to change, complacency.  Persons in the system may fear

   that he or she may have something to lose in the process of change. 

   (Perception of defending entitlements.)

 

* Low level of education in the city’s parents.  It was stated that

   one-third of the population does not have a high school diploma.

 

* Lack of discipline, classroom control.

 

* Possible reduction in funding because of the federal, state and

   municipal funding crisis.

 

* The District’s relationship with state government is necessary, but has

   at times been — and may continue to be unhelpful in some ways.

Thank you for your participation in Lartigue 2010 Community SWOT and we look forward to seeing you. For general information about our campaign and how you can get engaged, please call (609) 534-8627 or email info@annettelartigue.com.

  Every Resident, Every Voice and Every Opportunity.