What "Used to Be" and "What Is Now?"
We used to count out specific numbers of Iowa Assessment booklets, number 2 pencils, and had a timer for each classroom during state assessment week.
Now we assure every student has a device in their hands, has the correct language assigned for the assessment, and has enough time to take the assessment.
You made the NOW happen with support and encouragement. Thank you for getting your children access to in-person learning environments for the ISASP assessment. Thank you for encouraging them to do their best. AND a huge shout out to our staff members for the intense amount of organization and planning.
We used to plan for the upcoming school year with one schooling option: in-person school. We staffed and designed for that mode of learning.
Now we consider a continuum of options that will meet the needs of every learner. Within this school year, we have learned that options matter! In-person learning incorporated new procedures and routines that have helped us consider new possibilities. Remote learning presented a pathway for children and families to feel safe and secure. It also showed us that, beyond public health safety, remote learning really met many students’ learning needs.
(Reminder to sign up for our Virtual Academy if you are choosing remote learning for 2021-22 school year—Deadline is TODAY!)
You made the NOW happen by providing us feedback. We have options for families next year and years to come.
The time is NOW. We are learning so much together, and we know that we have to continue to learn and grow together. Last week, Deputy Superintendent Kooiker and I met with members of our Student Advisory Council.
The members are high school students from across our system—their voices, feedback, questions, and leadership are driving actions. Currently, they have three major ACTION projects: Celebrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Mentoring Younger students; and Peer to Peer Tutoring and Support. Our students are incredible—ALL of our students—and this leadership team is elevating the voices of their peers directly to our administrative team.
The national events of this week, especially in the context of listening to our children’s voices and their advocacy for each other, is a pronouncement of our district’s vision—Every Learner: Future Ready. EVERY learner needs our love, understanding, compassion, care, and support. Our Student Advisory Council has proclaimed, “Diversity is our Strength!”
Their voices, their vision—OUR students are making the NOW happen. We are learning forward together, CRCSD!
