WE WANT TO HEAR YOU... KENT DISTRICTS ANNOUNCE LISTENING CAMPAIGN

GRAND RAPIDS – Many a politician or businessman advocating education reform have said if Rip Van Winkle had fallen asleep 20 years ago and returned today, the only thing he’d recognize would be the public school classroom.  Nothing could be further from the truth.

New methods of instruction, online content, project-based learning and innovative partnerships between schools and business are profoundly changing education and students’ experience in the classroom.  These changes come amid unprecedented cuts in education funding, in Michigan and across much of the nation, making it impossible for school districts to operate as they had in years past. 

To better communicate the changes underway – and gather input on issues of concern to their communities – the superintendents of schools served by Kent ISD are reaching out through an online listening campaign to learn people’s priorities in education.  

A link to four simple questions and an invitation for the opportunity to meet with a community group, service club or neighborhood association will be posted on each district’s web site.  The questions are:

• What grade would you give the quality of education in your school district?
  A        B      C      D     Fail
• People frequently talk about “a good education” and how important it is.  What one or two things are basic components of a good education?
• What is the biggest problem facing our schools today?
• If you could change one thing in your local public schools, what would you change?
  
  Click here to go to the survey
  

“Last year, legislators cut school funding back to 2005-06 levels and required all employees to pay a portion of their health care.  They lifted the cap on charter schools and are now considering creating an unlimited number of “cyber academies” that would allow students to earn a diploma online, and many more education reforms,” said Kentwood Superintendent Scott Palczewski, who is leading the community engagement initiative for the Kent Intermediate Superintendents’ Association.

“Our districts are innovating as never before.  We’ve implemented a number of pilot programs that are showing success, and we’ve worked together through Kent ISD to open Innovation High and pursue many more reforms.

“With all of the issues facing public education these days, it’s important that we hear from all segments of our community,” Palczewski continued.  “Active parents regularly meet with teachers and district administrators to provide their input, but not everyone has the opportunity to attend a board meeting or join the PTA for their building.

Those interested in taking the survey or contacting their district to schedule a meeting can go to their local district web page, which can be found at this link: http://www.kentisd.org/about/links/

Survey Link (shortened): http://goo.gl/fYmzr

Welcome you to another great year at Kentwood Public Schools. We want you to be are aware of the many changes occurring in public education. One change is the Common Core Standards adoption by the Michigan Department of Education. These Standards create one set of clear and consistent expectations for all students. These Standards are our compact with students and parents, and their adoption ensures that all Kentwood students will graduate from High School ready for college and careers.

These standards are relevant to the real world reflecting the knowledge and skills young people need to be prepared for both college and work in a global economy. They will focus on problem solving and critical thinking skills, not solely on knowledge of particular facts that have little relationship to success later in life. The Common Core State Initiative will address this problem by increasing clarity among educators and parents about what students should be able to know and do at each grade level. Gradeby-grade progressions are anchored in college and career readiness. In addition, highlighting the logic, reasoning, evidence, the art of argument and the ability to conduct and report on research are critical skills students will need when they enter the workplace.

Curriculum and assessments that are tied to clearer standards will increase student achievement. We know that student achievement improves when curriculum allows teachers to cover select topics in greater depth, rather than numerous topics superficially. In addition, teachers will be able to better respond to your students' educational needs using assessments that are aligned to the new standards.

Designed to improve educational outcomes for students by developing a set of consistent, clear K-12 academic standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics, the Standards will be consistent from state to state. The Common Core is based on the principle that arithmetic should be the same in Missouri or Michigan. Clearer standards will benefit parents, teachers and students. One of the benefits of adopting clearer standards is that parents, teachers and students will have a shared understanding of what is expected in school. Studies have shown that when parents understand what is expected of their child academically and are actively engaged in their children's education, student achievement is improved. We have always found that to be true in Kentwood.

Please see the attached grade level standards. If you have any questions, feel free to ask your teachers or principal. Again, we look forward to working with you for your child's academic success.

Sincerely,
Michael Pickard
Executive Director of Elementary Education

Evan Hordyk
Executive Director of Secondary Education

K-5 Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 14, Monday Full day for students
November 15, Tuesday Full day for students
November 16, Wednesday Half day for students
November 17, Thursday Half day for students
November 18, Friday Half day for students

K-5 Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences
March 26, Monday Full day for students
March 27, Tuesday Half day for students
March 28, Wednesday Half day for students
March 29, Thursday Half day for students
March 30, Friday No school for students staff

Middle School:
Fall Week of November 14, 2011
Winter Week of February 27, 2011

EKFC/EKHS:
10/19/11 3:30-7:00 p.m.
10/20/11 12:30-3:00 p.m.
10/20/11 4:00-7:30 p.m.

1/25/12 3:30-7:00 p.m.
1/26/12 11:30-3:30 p.m.

4/25/12 3:30-7:00 p.m.
4/26/12 11:30-3:00 p.m.