This past August our entire staff will be participated in workshops that will address a number of equity and diversity issues. Building level inservice programs, professional growth plans and school improvement plans are expected to address the needs and recommendations reported in both the audit and the steering committee recommendations. As part of our continuing effort to keep the Urbana community aware of our progress, flyers were printed and distributed which explained our progress and our recommendations. As we look at our district, the Steering Committee continues to be very concerned about the number of African-American students being referred out of class for discipline as well as how few are being identified as gifted or being placed in advanced placement classes, especially math. The Steering Committee is also very concerned about the accountability of teachers, staff and administrators.
Real change happens in the classrooms.
The Steering Committee wants to be sure that the mission is being met at the classroom level. Without some form of accountability, the Steering Committee is skeptical that this will be accomplished. We will continue to give you monthly reports next year. The steering committee appreciates the support the school board has shown in the last year. The hard work has just begun.