The recent media attenti0n on the nation’s schools that followed the release of the documentary “Waiting for Superman,” caused many in the education community to cringe. Although I have not seen the film, I am not particularly concerned by this negative publicity because I feel that those who are paying attention to KPBSD recognize that our students’ education is not, as the film suggests, mired in mediocrity. My sense is that it is good and getting better. I am however, concerned that we may be trying to do too much. The question I have to continually ask is are we trying to drive our car faster than it will go?
The KPBSD staff is tasked with the enormous responsibility of doing all that it can to ensure that our students receive a quality education. Because all of us are already working hard, asking staff to do more is not something that Iwill casually do. Our work to develop a new evaluation system for our teachers is this year’s most significant improvement effort. This work is a collaborative effort by teachers and administrators that will lead to improved instruction and hence, a higher level of student learning. Its implementation will cause us to drive faster; it is important that we recognize this. I encourage everyone who has an interest in the district to learn why this increase in speed is worth it.
How Fast Can We Drive?
The recent media attenti0n on the nation’s schools that followed the release of the documentary “Waiting for Superman,” caused many in the education community to cringe. Although I have not seen the film, I am not particularly concerned by this negative publicity because I feel that those who are paying attention to KPBSD recognize that our students’ education is not, as the film suggests, mired in mediocrity. My sense is that it is good and getting better. I am however, concerned that we may be trying to do too much. The question I have to continually ask is are we trying to drive our car faster than it will go?
The KPBSD staff is tasked with the enormous responsibility of doing all that it can to ensure that our students receive a quality education. Because all of us are already working hard, asking staff to do more is not something that Iwill casually do. Our work to develop a new evaluation system for our teachers is this year’s most significant improvement effort. This work is a collaborative effort by teachers and administrators that will lead to improved instruction and hence, a higher level of student learning. Its implementation will cause us to drive faster; it is important that we recognize this. I encourage everyone who has an interest in the district to learn why this increase in speed is worth it.