|
This information is provided by the candidate
Doing More, With Less
"California has been confronted by a statewide fiscal crisis that leaves school districts with little choice but to do more with less." CSBA
An example is the new California Algebra 1 Mandate. This mandate necessitates increasing math skills across all levels, which in turn necessitates teacher development and a need for curricular revisions, without the funds for support.
Despite such constraints, Alpine is fortunate. Due to our rigor in math instruction over 2/3 of our middle school students already complete Algebra 1. Our creative, innovative staff and administration, working with the governing board will find solutions for our current fiscal challenges, while keeping our focus on students and how to best serve them.
- With high stakes testing mushrooming, it is imperative that we refine best practices for assessment and data analysis--soon.
Collecting formative as well as summative data is critical to evaluating educational practice, yet data remains a double-edged sword. The current plethora of assessment dampens teacher creativity and diminishes student enthusiasm for learning. Narrowing our assessment practice, and determining how to best use the results is a critical goal for the district.
- Focusing on teacher rigor coupled with improved salaries is a priority
When guards in our prisons outrank our teachers in salary, something is amiss in our priorities. During my recent graduate work I had the opportunity to be in numerous classrooms in a variety of districts. I was repeatedly reminded of the elevated caliber of Alpine's teachers. We are fortunate to have modern, safe campuses and exceptional educators.We must find mechanisms to support our staff financially as well as educationally.
Quality teaching is the strongest link to student achievement. Without the efforts of our teaching and support personnel Alpine would not rank 13th among San Diego County's 42 districts.
- Ensuring that students know how to set, work toward and achieve goals is paramount to their success
Students must be active participants in selecting their learning goals. They should receive monitoring, feedback and coaching that is responsive to their learning and development. This is an area of our strategic plan that warrants more attention, particularly at the upper elementary and middle school levels.
- Developing critical thinkers
It is crucial that we train young minds to analyze, integrate, generate and evaluate knowledge; while at the same time promoting skill sets that include: curiosity, creativity, collaboration and the ability to sustain relationships respectfully.
Many students are engaged in risky practices online, and they need to comprehend the complexities, truths and liabilities technology encompasses. Ann feels that programs in Technological Literacy are critical for students so they learn to navigate social networks, research sites, and use these modern tools with integrity and discrimination.
Ann has strengths in guiding collaboration and fostering relationships, as well as skills in prioritizing, assessing outcomes and mediating divergent points of view. Her experience will help the district navigate current challenges with success.
|
![[photo]](pierce_a.jpg)
