In order to support the goals of the 21st century framework of learning, schools must create nurturing and respectful environments. The vision of this new paradigm of learning emphasizes that an integral part of developing this environment is the invitation to students and their families to collaborate with educators and school administration to create and execute plans that support and respect the diversity of the school’s and community’s population. LSES has taken this step by creating a school improvement team which since its inception has obtained and reviewed school data pertaining to student and teacher performance and has since moved forward with the creation of a plan that outlines the school’s specific goals in a variety
…show more content…
Clearly outlined in their school improvement plan, the team members note the importance of selecting quality teachers who have in-depth knowledge in their subject area as well as the importance of providing continuing professional development opportunities. Each grade level has formed instructional teams that meet weekly to plan and discuss lessons and teachers are also given the opportunity to be assigned a mentor who will check in with them daily to provide guidance and support. In addition, Vertical Team meetings are held monthly, at a minimum, to discuss assigned research that addresses how to best create curriculum that aligns with the Common Core standards as well as best practices in the classroom. These types of professional development opportunities are part of the weekly school schedule and held in the school facilities while additional professional development is offered at the county level during or after school hours to those who have been identified as requiring certification or re-certification or as benefiting from additional education in specific areas directly relating to their position. It is very evident from the actions taken by the school staff that LSES is very aware of what is required to create a respectful and nurturing environment. The school improvement plan and the actions already being taken to meet the goals listed in LSES’ school plan give definite support that the school is working toward this goal. No school is perfect and LSES is certainly is not, but it demonstrates a true desire to fix what it sees is wrong so that all students feel welcome and safe and so that all students can achieve and succeed in the real
Clearly outlined in their school improvement plan, the team members note the importance of selecting quality teachers who have in-depth knowledge in their subject area as well as the importance of providing continuing professional development opportunities. Each grade level has formed instructional teams that meet weekly to plan and discuss lessons and teachers are also given the opportunity to be assigned a mentor who will check in with them daily to provide guidance and support. In addition, Vertical Team meetings are held monthly, at a minimum, to discuss assigned research that addresses how to best create curriculum that aligns with the Common Core standards as well as best practices in the classroom. These types of professional development opportunities are part of the weekly school schedule and held in the school facilities while additional professional development is offered at the county level during or after school hours to those who have been identified as requiring certification or re-certification or as benefiting from additional education in specific areas directly relating to their position. It is very evident from the actions taken by the school staff that LSES is very aware of what is required to create a respectful and nurturing environment. The school improvement plan and the actions already being taken to meet the goals listed in LSES’ school plan give definite support that the school is working toward this goal. No school is perfect and LSES is certainly is not, but it demonstrates a true desire to fix what it sees is wrong so that all students feel welcome and safe and so that all students can achieve and succeed in the real