What we presently are teaching is benchmarked against national and state standards and professional research. The second year of the review cycle involves writing new or revised curriculum and seeking resources to teach the curriculum, such as textbooks, software programs, kits, etc. Teacher training for implementation is also begun in year two. During the third, fourth and fifth years, we implement the new curriculum at various grade levels. Purchasing of materials, as well as staff professional training, continues through years three through five.
Staff development is provided to assist staff in meeting the criteria.
Staff needs assessments, professional improvement plans, school level objectives, and district goals are used to target our staff development efforts. We have developed a teacher professional development institute to provide continuing education to staff. Our own knowledgeable staff facilitate in-house staff development. Peer interaction is encouraged to share the talents of our staff and improve the level of competence of all. Our budgetary process will take into consideration the balance between fiscal responsibility to taxpayers and quality educational programs needed to prepare our students for the 21 st century.