Mam’k Schools Set Specific Goals For Student Learning

Other Goals Set for Community Involvement and Business Operations

by Joan R. Simon

(October 9, 2008) The Mamaroneck School Board has been working on goal-setting ever since Dr. Paul Fried arrived as superintendent four years ago. The culmination of their work was presented at the October 8 study session: a comprehensive set of four cohesive goals, with specific objectives and expected outcomes. At the top of the list was student learning. The other three areas involved community involvement, business operations and personnel.

“I’m very proud of the goals,” Superintendent Paul Fried said, noting the progress that had been made to build support around the goals and to delineate specific outcomes. “This year we’re taking a very large step.” (For a full outline of the district goals, see: 2008-2009 District Goals)

Student Learning Goals Focus on Consistent Curriculum

The first goal of student learning concentrates on the development of “pre-K-12 consistent curriculum, instruction and assessment structures” with an emphasis on challenging students and improving basic academic performance. Concrete objectives include continued work on the revised TERC math program and the writing curriculum in the elementary school, as well as developing a middle school writing course and exploring community internships for high school seniors and programs to assist their transition from school to college or career.

Each “objective” within a specific goal is accompanied by a “rationale/process” that spells out how the objective will be achieved, or as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Annie Ward quipped, “who’s driving the bus.”

For example, the elementary writing curriculum is supported by a literacy design team and a literacy coach who will not only develop new units of study, but “will make the existing structure more of a living document” and will work on building a foundation of literacy for each classroom. One part of the project will be to post all the materials on an elementary literacy blog.

Community Involvement, Business Operations, Personnel

The second district goal focuses on fostering “a high level of staff and community involvement in the schools.” First among the objectives is a new, user-friendly website which was launched at the beginning of September and is expected to be fully operational by mid-year. Another objective will be to implement the wellness policy, with a district-wide committee to be assembled this year, consisting of parents from each school, as well as teachers, students and administrators.

The third goal concerns business operations with a focus on transparency in both the bond and budget processes. A special meeting for the community will be held on October 30 in the high school tiered classroom at 7:30 pm to discuss the cost and timing of the upcoming bond. (See: Mam'k School Board Okays $40.6 Million Bond for Fall)

The business objectives also include streamlining the budget process and creating a five-year expenditure plan with the help of the Citizens Financial Advisory Committee (see: New Citizens Group to Advise School Board on Finance). In addition, the district is seeking to update its emergency procedures in each school and to make the district more environmentally friendly, both in its practices and by adding environmental projects to the curriculum.

A final goal centers around the new teacher contract requirements that affect students and instructional programs. Assistant Superintendent for Personnel Peter Scordo stressed the importance of “making sure that these contract provisions are taking place.” (See: Mamaroneck Teachers & School Board OK Contract)

Building Goals: Getting More Specific

All six schools in the district will also be developing their own specific objectives. Dr. Fried explained that “building objectives will be different, but they will all be aligned around the same goals.” A board study session on November 12 will be devoted to presenting the building goals of each school. Department chairs at the middle and high schools will be establishing objectives within their schools as well.

In concluding, Dr. Fried announced there would be a study session in the spring to assess the outcomes of all the objectives within the four goals. Former board president Cecelia Absher, who participated in the early stages of goal-setting, congratulated the board for its accomplishments. “You have put some stakes in the ground,” she said; “you have a roadmap.”

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