The 21st Century High School Review committee suggested Monday to the Grosse Pointe Public School Board a variety of changes that they believe could enhance the learning opportunities of students to ensure they are competitive with students from like districts post graduation.
The committee was created in the fall and tasked with evaluating areas the district could grow, change or adapt to ensure the district's high schoolers are competitive beyond the district and the program is benefitting all students. They were specifically not considering finances, adult needs or to seek change simply to make change--points highlighted Monday night.
The need for the review comes in light of state and federal mandate changes, the evolving expectations of parents and the heightened requriements of post-secondary institutions, according to a powerpoint presentation shown Monday.
Headed up by Jon Dean, the district's assistant superintendent of educational services and human resources, the committee included five additional administrators, seven parents or community members, 20 teachers and four students.
Dean and other administrators presented the recommendations the group has reached thus far in the review process.
The recommendations include:
- infusing consistent classroom technology across the district/curriculum
- infusing consistent and more experiential learning into the curriculum
- piloting hybrid course options in the 2013/14 school year with seat time
- create dual enrollment opportunities where students may earn college credits during high school
- increase the minimum credits required for graduation from 21 to 23 for the graduating class of 2016/17
- implement an additional option for seniors who need to recover credits through offering make up courses online within the district versus the external resources currently available
The committee has been working at a quick pace to do a variety of research related to like districts, their policies, schedules and learning opportunities. Monday's presentation of preliminary recommendations was the first given since the group was formed in September. It was intended to inform the school board about the group's progress as well as the ideas that are being discussed.
The committee is set to continue the behind-the-scenes work and will review high school schedules and the most optimal option for students next. Meanwhile, the powerpoint presentation will be posted on the district's website, distributed throughout the district to staff and to parents for feedback.
School board members provided some questions and feedback Monday to Dean and the other administrators with the goal of narrowing the focus or considering alternative options for some of the suggestions.
If we are to truly improve the quality of education our children are getting in this district, we need to listen to what professionals in the field are saying.
All of our students in both high schools have the choice to take 7 classes and that choice is very important. Without that choice many students would not be able to be involved in band, orchestra and choir. Important classes like art, journalism, and even commercial foods would be difficult to fit in if 7 classes were not offered and many students would miss an opportunity to explore possible future career opportunities. I will be listening very carefully to the recommendations of the 21st Century High School Review Committee in the upcoming reports in regards to class day schedule, I certainly hope they are not putting the 7 period day schedule back up for debate AGAIN!!
I was also a little confused during the meeting last night but is was mostly by the leftover school board member digs and infighting. I certainly would have preferred Judy Gafa to stay on as President.
This article states the committee is looking into "like" districts. I don't want to see a few of the "like" districts listed with a lot of struggling ones to justify change. I also don't want to see changes made for the sake of change so that some adminstrator(s) can have something to talk about in an interview when they try to move on to another district. To me, technology is often overrated in schools. It is very expensive to implement, update, and train for. Technology changes so quickly it becomes outdated far too quickly. And it is no subsitute for what has made the district so respected for so long.
I couldn't have said it better. Teachers across the country don't get nearly enough respect for the work they do. We need a local board of education here in Grosse Pointe that understands something about education. We need a board that truly believes that if teachers aren't among its top priorities, our students and families will not be served as well as they deserve to be. http://facebook.com/ProfetaForFamilies
Not only should the Board of Education and district administrators listen to the teachers, but the community should, as well. It is the community who should hold the district responsible for the quality of education our students receive. Regarding technology, I agree with Mike A. - it is overrated in many cases. It certainly cannot replace a good teacher!