Superintendent's Message

       

 

 

“All of us have strengths we need to share. The challenge lies in creating vehicles that enable diverse individuals to do so…”

Bill Shore, “The Cathedral Within”
   
 
 

Message from the Superintendent: Dr. Scott Wakeley

A goal for the District was to improve student achievement by examining the following two areas:

  1. To create an articulated K-12 curriculum aligned with Illinois State Standards.
  2. To enhance instructional strategies that is aligned with best practice.

We hope to accomplish this by answering the following questions.

  • What do students need to know based on the Illinois Learning Standards?
  • When do students need to know it?
  • How can we maximize our instruction to ensure learning by all students?

We began a process this fall by utilizing the Illinois Learning Standards to create a document at every grade level (K-12) that identifies WHAT students should know as a result of their schooling. This requires teachers and administrators from the various schools to work together in creating performance descriptors that will allow both teachers and parents to identify what they should expect their child to do at each grade level.

The completion of the “what” process will lead us into the next cycle, which is to identify WHEN students should know specific content or skills. This Spring we are beginning training on a process called “curriculum mapping”. This allows for teachers and administrators to see when topics are being taught to ensure nothing is overly duplicated, as well as to identify gaps in the curriculum. The curriculum mapping process will continue throughout next year as well.

Finally, as we answer the questions of “what and when”, we will begin the process of examining HOW the curriculum is being delivered to ensure all students are achieving at a high level. This will occur through a multi-year intensive professional development project to increase the already quality instruction within the District. This project will look at six areas including: Content, Thinking Skills, Products, Assessments, Facilitation, and Reflection.

This curriculum renewal process is a multi-year and complex process, however it is our number 1 priority in preparing students to excel and contribute to their community.

Sincerely,

Scott E. Wakeley
Superintendent

To contact the Superintendent, email superintendent@gkschools.org