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DISTRICT DIALOGUE - RECOMMENDATIONS

District DIALOGUE

Recommendations

The Focus Points below represent the recommendations from District DIALOGUE. They are a compilation of information learned, discussion, feedback and consensus points from each of the nine District DIALOGUE meetings. Implementation of these recommendations will be a significant factor in moving District 113A from “good to great.”

Focus Point #1

The District’s mission statement should be strengthened by reflecting the following areas:

—  Student focus

—  Technology

—  Parent and community involvement

Proposed Mission Statement:

“The mission of District 113A is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become lifelong learners and productive members of society, by developing the full potential of each student’s academic, physical, social, emotional and technological capabilities, via a partnership among educators, parents, students and the community.”

Focus Point #2

Educational programs and services must be available to help all District 113A students succeed.

District 113A should explore all options to strengthen the overall educational program and continue to move the District to a higher level of student performance.  

1.  Decrease class sizes to give teachers the best opportunity to instruct and evaluate students, thus maximizing student learning.

2. Enhance the development and usage of differentiated instruction at all levels.

3. Continue the development and implementation of additional programs to address the varied needs of all students including ESL (English as a Second Language), gifted and special education programs.

4. Expand after school and summer school programs to enhance student success.

5. Provide consistency in curriculum and discipline throughout all levels.

6. Expand Early Childhood programs for both typically developing and special needs students.

Focus Point #3

Staff access to continued quality training, professional development and resources is essential to increase student achievement.

Staff development and training play an integral role in student achievement, ensuring that students are receiving the best possible education from their teachers.

1. Enhance current professional development programs, especially in the areas of technology and differentiated instruction.

2. Keep salaries competitive to recruit and retain quality staff.

3. Improve specialist-to-student ratios, especially in the area of reading.

4. Ensure there is adequate collaboration between teachers, specialists and administrators.

5. Enhance teacher mentoring programs.

6. Provide adequate resources and equipment for effective teaching.

Focus Point #4

Provide age-appropriate, up-to-date technology to enhance student learning.

Technology can powerfully enhance student achievement when used as a tool for problem solving, conceptual development and critical thinking. The leadership of District 113A should work to enhance technology throughout the District. 

1. Provide adequate professional development for staff to learn how to appropriately use emerging technology in the classroom.

2. Supply age-appropriate technology to better engage and teach students.

3. Communicate with parents and the staff on how to effectively use technology for learning at home and in the classroom.

4. Implement a strong technology infrastructure including wireless access, updated computers and secure networking.

5. Conduct a cost-benefit analysis of leasing technology equipment to maintain current technology in the District.

Focus Point #5

Improve District facilities to provide an optimal learning environment for students. 

Based on the information learned from the Facilities Assessment Study, and feedback from participants, District facilities can be improved in several areas.

1. Increase student safety by addressing problems with Public Address systems throughout the District and evaluating the safety of public areas such as cafeterias, gyms and hallways.

2. Assess the role of room layout and classroom furniture in creating an ideal learning environment for student success.

3. Modify classrooms to reflect District decisions to work toward decreased class sizes and varied teaching/learning styles.

4. Examine the air quality, air filtration systems and classroom temperatures throughout the District to ensure they are at optimum levels for student achievement.

5. Future District facility updates should support portable and adaptable technology.

6. Develop a master preventative maintenance and roof replacement plan supported by District resources.

Focus Point #6

Students deserve a safe and secure learning environment with consistent discipline in which to learn.

Bullying, classroom disruptions and an inconsistent discipline program are concerns of the participants of District DIALOGUE. 

1. Continue to develop and improve the District discipline program.

2. Ensure the discipline program is consistent at all levels throughout the District.

3. Improve safety and security through violence prevention programs, video surveillance and supervision.

4. Enhance the level of support staff, student supervision, and professional development in the area of safety, security and discipline.

5. Improve communication with and better educate parents about safety, security and discipline.

Focus Point #7

Continue to improve and enhance communications and community involvement.

According to District DIALOGUE participants, collaboration and communication are paramount in improving student achievement. 

1. Evaluate the effectiveness of current communications methods, and develop a formal plan to guide and enhance District communications. 

2. Enhance consistent school-family communication at the classroom, school and District level.

3. Develop consistent, effective communications tools to inform and involve different audiences throughout the community.

4. Increase media relations activities.

5. Utilize emerging technology and new media to better communicate with parents and the community. (e.g. e-newsletter, pod-casting, social media)

6. Develop community involvement programs such as volunteer opportunities, open houses, advisory committees and a foundation to involve residents in the schools.

7. Conduct surveys to gather quantitative data regarding parent and community perceptions of the District.

8. Determine and implement appropriate community and staff engagement opportunities. Special focus should be placed on financial planning for the future and school improvement plans.

Focus Point #8

Keep the community involved and informed about the District’s financial future.

District DIALOGUE participants are concerned about the District’s financial future, specifically the forecast of deficit spending and low per-pupil expenditures.  

1. Continually keep the community informed about the facts of the financial challenges and opportunities ahead.

2. Investigate the option of increasing fees, or making programs such as after-school activities fee based to increase revenues.

3. Do not consider reducing the deficit by increasing class sizes.

4. Involve the community in decisions about how the District will handle decreasing revenues and increasing expenditures.

Recommendations will be presented to the Board of Education by the District Dialogue Facilitating Team Co-Chairs at their Regular Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, 2009.