Wednesday, August 24, 2011

The First Day of School is in the Books

And what great day it was.  As I walked through some of the classrooms I was impressed by the staff and students alike.  The enthusiasm was outstanding.  I feel we are blessed to have quality professional people in our system. 

On Monday of this week we looked at what are the characteristics for excellence in eduction.  These characteristics are:

Key Feature 1: High Universal Standards
  • Raise aspirations and define educational excellence,
  • Make educational objectives transparent to students, and
  • Provide a framework for teachers
Key Feature 2: Accountability and Autonomy
  • Move responsibility to the front line,
  • Encouraging responsiveness to local needs and
  • Strengthening accountability systems.
Key Feature 3: Strengthened Teacher Professionalism
·         Recruit strong teacher candidates,
·         Promote sound subject-matter preparation,
·         Offer induction programs that support new teachers during their first few years of teaching, and offer
·         Ongoing professional development.
“Teachers are on a par with other professionals in terms of diagnosing problems and applying evidence-based practices and strategies to address the diversity in students' interests and abilities.”

Key Feature 4: Personalized Learning
“In world class schools, teachers are responsible for engaging constructively with the diversity of student interests, capacities, and socioeconomic contexts.”

Reflecting upon the Sioux Center District and the work that has been the focus for several years, the pieces of the puzzle are in place for us to take the education of our students to another level.  I believe that the leadership at all levels of the district is ready to accept the challenge.

It is going to be a great year. 

I want to thank you for your support of the Sioux Center CSD!

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