We could have
waited for our education policy-makers to figure out the next steps; instead we
have chosen to be proactive and take the steps necessary to change policy that
affects the future of our students. We have had many discussions on what it
means to be an educated adult in this new force environment. We have discussed
the core competencies that matter most for work, learning, and citizenship
today. These discussions were the starting point for us to reimagine education
for our children.
Three key
features keep coming to the forefront of our conversations: the skills needed,
the will to learn, and the content knowledge. I believe that will or motivation
is the most important and the one most damaged by our SOL test driven
curriculum in schools today. I believe if students are motivated to learn then
they will continue to develop new skills and thrive in the innovation era. We
are not just talking about implementing changes that will make it fun. We want
the proposed changes to increase student motivations that include perseverance
and self-discipline.
The skills
needed by students is the next area of focus. Through many conversations with
all stakeholders, there is a consensus about the importance of the five C’s:
critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, and citizenship. We
believe that these skills can be taught and assessed every day in every
classroom. This does not suggest that we should teach these skills instead of
our content knowledge. In fact, you cannot teach critical thinking without
engaging students in rigorous academic content. The content knowledge is the
third key feature and we must select content to create a desire for lifelong
learning. We have to manage our desire for content coverage and not let it
overwhelm the skills needed to be successful in the innovation age.
In summary, we
are obligated to prepare our students for the 5 C’s and competence in dealing
with any career pathway they may choose. Our strategic plan is on our website for
you to review. We will be holding two
community meetings in which we will have an interactive activity for
stakeholders. On March 15, we will discuss
together why we are making changes during a community meeting at Windsor
Elementary School. We will discuss
together how we will make those changes, and how we’ve incorporated them into
our strategic plan, during a community meeting on April 19 at Smithfield Middle
School. Both meetings will start at 6:00
pm. This is a great opportunity to learn
more about the future plan for Isle of Wight County Schools. I hope to see you there.
