Moving the Needle

by Education Blog

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Posted on February 20, 2019

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The other night, my wife and I were talking about some of the unanswered questions in life, like why is it 20 minutes after supper our kids want to have a “snack?”  Well of course we both know why, they don’t eat enough supper. So then the question becomes “How do you get them to eat enough supper?” I’m not sure you can, but the only way we have expedited the eating process and ended dinner time negotiations is to do away with snacks twenty minutes after supper.  If you're anything like us, consistency is the hardest task we have as parents. I could lie and tell you that we are highly successful and have held firm when we hear the dreaded words after three bites, “I’m full.” The reality is, there are nights when the kids wear us down with “I’m full, I don’t want to try that” etc.. and we look at each other and say,  “ok, you can get up” and then twenty minutes later, “sure, you can have a snack.” I think the dinner table can be alot like the school business. It’s easy to change course, start something new, and grow weary before you see the task accomplished, or “move the needle” in a positive direction.

So how will we “move the needle” as a school district?  Just like dinner time I think consistency and support are the keys to the success of any program or initiative.  Over the last couple of years, and continuing into this year, the district has started many new programs and initiatives.  These include the creation of curriculum maps for all subjects, common assessments for students in grades kindergarten through eighth grade, focused professional development on providing engaging instruction and leadership to staff, engaging the community in the development of the school calendar and the accelerated reading program just to name a few.  It will take time analyze the success of these programs, but maintaining consistency in their implementation is critical.

Consistency alone however won’t move the needle, and ensure the success of our students.  It will take teachers, principals, students, and stakeholders to support and collaborate with one another, continually looking for opportunities for growth.

I am excited about our Continuous Strategic Improvement Plan that the district is currently involved in this year.  At this point in time, the process is ninety percent complete, with a completion and approval date set for May. The most important and meaningful part of this plan has been the process.  The opportunity to work with staff, students, and community members, and “open up the doors” to our district has created a culture of increased collaboration and understanding. I look forward to sharing the details of the completed plan with our teachers, students and stakeholders in the coming months.  If you have a chance, please check out the Strategic Plan tab on our website for pictures and details of the process to date.

Sincerely,

Tim Argo

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