A Look at the Security and Educational Needs of Educational Institutions in the United States| Social-Cultural Capital and Political Perspectives

• Main Author: Taylor, Michael
• Language: EN
• Published: University of Redlands 2015
• Subjects: Educational leadership
• Online Access: http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3723451

<p> This paper argues the right to an adequate and valued educational experience adds to the prosperity and stability of a society as it increases the social and cultural capital of the students, which enhances their probability of becoming productive adult citizens. Research shows that a key element in achieving a valued educational experience is the learning environment should be both creative and meaningful where staff and students feel both safe and secure. Many inner city urban learning institutions, K-12 public and private, are not safe and have a well-entrenched criminal element of behavior that has shown itself in extreme acts of violence on and in the school campuses. Arguably, both law enforcement and educational leaders have been less than effective in their approach to exterminate the criminal element while maintaining the creativeness of the learning environment through tactics and policies of a zero tolerance approach. Funds of Knowledge, another innovative approach to educational and security needs, has been tried with some positive results. Findings from this study suggest that an essential element to implement a creative and meaningful environment, educational leader(s) must demonstrate a strong style of leadership that is fair, honest, and not adverse to the politics of personal and professional risk. They must be willing to be risk takers for the right reasons.</p>