Improving the culture will result not only in healthier and happier children, but also in increased learning. And that is what kids just being kids is all about. These consultants assessed Lincoln and Emerson Middle Schools against standards established for exemplary middle school programs. A team of five people spent three days in District 64. Here is a sample of some of the observed strengths from the evaluators.
Good collaboration exists with teaching teams, resource staff, and support personnel.
The environment is safe and supportive. Parents, students, and staff value the balance of instructional time between core and elective classes. Age appropriate activities are available before and after school for students. Administrators and Board of Education members agree that the information received was extremely valuable. In fact, the consultants' approach, i.e., to audit a program against pre-determined standards, is a model that administrators believe can be used as other District programs are reviewed.