Early each spring the
administration shares a brief update on the status of district goals and
initiatives. There is so much
going on in the Needham Schools, it’s easy to keep moving forward at a high
speed without reflecting on where we are going and how we are doing. However, the update to the School
Committee allows us to press pause, step back, and check in to see if we are on
track.
Here are some of the
highlights we shared with the Committee:
• Goal One: Advance Standards Based Learning
-
Implemented
new elementary math program (ThinkMath!) in grades 1-5.
-
iPad pilot
program underway in 8th grade.
-
Conducting
world languages curriculum review.
-
Developing K
– 12 common assessments.
-
Published
curriculum maps. For a look, click here: http://needham-public.rubiconatlas.org/Atlas/Public/View/Default
• Goal Two: Develop the Social, Emotional, and Wellness Skills of all
Children
-
New elementary
and parent programs initiated, including the “Social Thinking Curriculum” and
fall middle school parenting conference.
-
Positive
Coaching Alliance programs established for student athletes, parents, and
coaches.
-
Bullying
intervention curriculum developed and implemented in all grades.
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Bullying
prevention and intervention guide distributed throughout schools and community.
• Goal Three: Promote Active Citizenship
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STEAM
initiatives involve the growth of robotics teams, including FIRST Tech
Challenge and girls’ robotics team at the high school; middle school students
work with Stratus Center; and middle school teacher participating in Project LIFT.
-
Each school
has identified and implementing at least one school and curriculum based
service learning project.
-
District administrators
studying cultural proficiency as it relates to all of our students and work in
the schools.
• Goal Four: Ensure Infrastructure Supports District Values and Learning
Goals
-
Pre-feasibility
assessment of Mitchell and Hillside Schools underway.
-
Pilot teacher
observation and evaluation model underway at Hillside and High Rock Schools.
-
Online
payment vendor selected; new financial system software bids being evaluated for
a spring award.
These highlights do not
represent all of the activity in the district, but they reflect the current
status of key elements in the district’s work plan.
Much remains to be accomplished as we collaborate and work together as a
professional staff and within the broader community to strengthen teaching and learning
in the Needham Schools. Look for a
final report on the 2011-12 goals later in June.
