To be addressed in this discussion are the circumstances surrounding the firing of seventy-four teachers and nineteen staff officials of Central Falls High School in the Rhode Islands’ region, inclusive of the school’s principal. The firing of these teachers was decided upon by the school board on a five to two-vote win on the grounds that the school was underperforming. The move to fire the teachers and staff members was advocated for; by the school’s Superintendent Frances Gallo based on the argument that the union did not give consideration to the issue.
However, it is common knowledge that; the performance of an academic institution like the school in question or any other organization greatly depends on the contribution and performance of the different parties involved. Within the context of the school in question, the poor performance can not only be blamed on the teachers; but also, on other actors like parents, students; the school policy-making body, and the society creating the environment within which the school is; among other crucial parties.
Game theory is a model used to explain public policy administration. According to this theory, tactical dealings between rational actors are what bring out results based on the acting points of the different players, whose relations may not be anticipated by the individuals involved. In this case; Game theory will be used to explain or rather propose solutions to the problem faced by Central Falls High School. It is obvious that in any institution, organization, association, or party in which members come together towards achieving a common goal, each individual should play his or her role accordingly to ensure that the goal is achieved.
It is the duty of the teachers to teach the learners, ensuring that they cover the syllabus at the right time and that they give the right content. The school board, on the other hand, plays the role of ensuring that policies and set goals are pursued, not to mention the general running of the school. Among the set goals and policies being pursued; is ensuring that the conditions that can ensure the success of the school are also availed. In this case, the underperformance of the school; should not be blamed solely on the teachers as there are other stakeholders influencing the performance.
It is also worth noting that the teachers being fired; were employed based on professional competence, and therefore it is not possible that all of them are not performing to satisfaction. The fact that the principal was also fired; raises the question of whether he attained the position by chance or through rightful promotions and recognition in the very school.
It is also worth noting that all the teachers in the school could not have performed their roles unsatisfactorily, but there should be other underlying factors behind the schools’ failure. The school board, in this case, should understand that each and every party, including the parents and students, is part and parcel of the institution, the cause of the failure, and exist for the welfare of the institution. Considering the functional roles of the school, it is worth noting that the full operation of it would not be realized without any of the parties.
Therefore, the school board should carry out a study regarding the causes of the failure among the different parties; Instead of victimizing one unit within the functional structure. In the course of finding the root causes of the failure, all the parties should be allowed to air their views regarding what could be the cause of the problem. From the discussion, it is evident that the board acted on impulse and ignorant contentions rather than basing their judgment on unfounded facts.