Editor’s note: The following was written by Tabernacle schools Superintendent George J. Rafferty.
We all have goals, or at least we should. If you don’t know where you’re headed, you will probably never get there. Goals are our road map to the future and point us in the direction of our destination. Just like you set goals for yourself and your family, your schools establish their goals each year during the summer months for the upcoming school year.
This year, the Tabernacle Board of Education reviewed the goals it set for the district and carried forward three goals into the 2013–2014 school year, as well as established two board goals.
The first district goal deals with continuing the process of implementing a benchmark assessment plan across all grade levels, which will allow the district to measure student academic growth and, subsequently, the effectiveness of our educational programs. Benchmarks are set points during the year when a school measures how much its students are learning in areas such as reading, math, and writing. The district has long looked for a way to assess all students in a fair and reliable manner using a valid measurement tool.
Last year, the district began assessing all students in kindergarten through second grade with an online assessment tool. The results were available for teachers instantaneously and provided the kind of information the board, administrators and teachers were seeking. The implementation of this benchmark assessment was so successful the district now plans to implement it across all grades, kindergarten through eighth grade. This new data will drive instruction, inform the board and the staff about what works and where we need to improve if our children are going to be successful. More importantly, parents will now have information about how much their children are learning as well.
Next, the board made communication a priority by setting a goal addressing the need to effectively use technology and social media tools (Facebook, Twitter) and the district’s website to engage the community about the schools. We want your input about what you like about your schools and what you want to see improved. We also want to hear your views on various initiatives occurring in your schools. However, we want to make sure you have information about what’s happening so you can be informed enough to provide feedback.
The third district goal is to effectively implement a new teacher evaluation system mandated by the state Department of Education. Teacher effectiveness is one of the single most important factors affecting student achievement. Therefore it is essential the effectiveness of teaching is appropriately measured and identified in order to ensure our students receive highly effective instruction. Tabernacle employs well-trained staff and support personnel to ensure students succeed by receiving a high caliber educational program.
Well, as you can see, your schools have set their sights on high expectations for learning. A high level of academic success can only be achieved for students when rigorous goals are established. You have the opportunity to weigh in on what goals you would like to see your schools establish and achieve each year and throughout the year by sending us your input.
