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Computers are replacing chalkboards and textbooks. Assistant principals now have sworn police officers, some armed with Tasers, to help them with disciplinary issues. And standardized testing is more common than ever before. Today marks the beginning of a six-part series, “Education 2010: The classroom of the 21st century.” The subtitle actually goes beyond the desks and chalkboard. It encompasses the current school environment, the evolution of modern teaching and the increased role of standardized testing in U.S. schools. It also includes the current social issues impacting 21st century education, from the need to have police on public school campuses to other programs that deal with problems and challenges faced by today’s youth – problems that either didn’t exist in previous generations or have taken on a new, bolder face.

GUILFORD COUNTY –  It’s 8:15 a.m. on a school day.

Meet the public school principal of the 21st century, a job that requires wearing many hats while working long hours and enduring constant pressure to have their students and teachers perform to ever-increasing expectations. In addition to being a school’s lead administrator and manager, the modern principal serves as a school instructional leader and is responsible for leading school reforms.

And many, like Bolds, give the job a personal touch.

Bolds watches as students walk single file along a red line on the middle of the floor as they move from buses to class.

Although Bolds is equipped with a two-way radio to monitor activities at the 560-student middle school, her morning work is more about greeting students. Many students receive hugs followed by questions about home or school work. Other staff members also greet students as they arrive. As a High Pointer, Bolds knows the parents and families of many of the students.

“I think I know the first names of all the students, except maybe 50 or 60,” she said. “I think it is important for me to be seen and for the students to know I care. It’s all about them.”

Because Welborn is a Standard Mode of Dress school, Bolds, like many principals and educators in the 21st century, is a wardrobe judge. Students must wear specified garments in the correct combination of colors.

“What are you supposed to wear here?” Bolds asks several students as they pass by. “Love you, thank you, bye.”

Approaching and encouraging students ranging from sixth to eighth grade is part of the delicate art of leading a school.

“I miss teaching. I do understand what teachers need. I never thought I’d be an administrator,” she said.

Bolds acquired her love of education at home. The daughter of educators, Bolds is a former English teacher who often shares her enthusiasm for books with students engaged in a school reading program.

“There is a range of attitudes and adjustments,” Bolds said. “Some sixth-graders are like children and don’t get the abstracts. By eighth grade, the hormones start to kick in.”

By 9:15, students have settled into their classrooms and Bolds tends to daily paperwork in the office. Then it’s off to visit classrooms, counselors and the media center. Sometimes there’s a late breakfast in the office. Sometimes, it’s lunch.

“I enjoy that no two days are alike,” Bolds said. “You don’t get bored. You do good for others.”

By 10:15 a.m. on most days, Bolds visits faculty training and development sessions. “It’s about the team,” Bolds said. “You have to have a good team for a good school.”

In the afternoon, there are more classroom visits and sessions with staff members. Most students don’t appear surprised to see their principal walk into their classrooms. Several fired questions at her.

The typical day is not over for Bolds at the final bell.

“We have after-school activities and sports and parent activities, even on Saturdays,” Bolds said.

dnivens@hpe.com | 888-3626

SERIES BREAKOUTS

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TODAY: The role of the modern principal, teacher

MONDAY: Though not without critics, standardized testing a fact of life

TUESDAY: Chalkboards, textbooks becoming things of the past

WEDNESDAY: The new face of school discipline

THURSDAY: Magnet school, alternative programs grow in popularity

FRIDAY: The challenges ahead; Obama’s race to the top