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School leaders present long-range plan to council |
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Thursday, 06 December 2007 |
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By JOSEPH FITZGERALD NORTH SMITHFIELD – School officials recently provided the Town Council a five-point strategic plan for improving school programs and increasing student achievement.
The four-year strategic plan (2006-09), required by the state Department of Education, establishes a long-range direction for the school district based on broad academic criteria. Drafted last year, it lists five major objectives and strategies that have either already been implemented or are in the process of being implemented.“A tremendous amount of staff and community have been involved in this process since last May,” School Superintendent Stephen Lindberg told the council last month.Lindberg, who identified the strategic plan as a top priority when he was hired, said the plan is a working document with action plans developed by a 22-person strategic planning committee made up of teachers, administrators, parents, students, School Committee members, business representatives and community leaders.The five objectives and strategies include: - Improving student achievement in mathematics and English/language arts.
The goal is to improve student achievement in mathematics, reading and writing by increasing the percentage of all students to meet the levels of proficiency as measured by the NECAP assessment. - Improving curriculum through an ongoing process of planning, design, implementation and evaluation.
The goal herein is to align the kindergarten through grade 12 math, science and ELA curriculum with state and national standards. - Developing a process that keeps all stakeholders informed and involved in vital educational issues.
This goal is to develop a district-wide policy detailing expectations of students; use the most up-to-date technology to engage members of the community in the education of students; and engage parents in meaningful partnership in the education of their children. - Providing and maintaining district-wide infrastructure /technology to prepare students for a global community.
School officials want to appropriate and develop a functioning district technology and information system and restructure the elementary population into two separate redesigned facilities. - Implementing the requirements of the Rhode Island Regents regulations for high schools.
The objective is to create a more personalized learning environment for students; implement a performance-based diploma system; and help students are who reading below grade level to attain grade level abilities.Many of the goals in the plan have already been implemented this year. The implementation phase is expected to be completed the year after next.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 10 December 2007 )
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