As educators we often pause to ask ourselves, "what really matters?"
It is that internal questioning that causes us to refocus and re-engage in our work at higher levels. As we do, it is natural then to constantly stretch and strive for personal improvement.
In the public schools it is essential that each staff member be very clear about priorities and answer for himself the question of "what matters?" That clarity then positions each person as a legitimate contributor to the district's effort of serving all children at increasingly higher levels. That questioning and focusing process is a part of our daily work.
Learning is our purpose. Learning for all children is our constant goal. As I answer the "what really matters?" question for myself, the following priorities are in my thoughts. It really matters that the Springdale School District has:
• An excellent teacher in every classroom.
• An outstanding principal leading the educational program in each school.
• A quality, standards-based curriculum taught in each class.
• Structurally sound lessons consistently implemented.
• Authentic literacy -- Purposeful teaching every day with ample "reading, writing and talking" learning objectives.
From my perspective, the key to success often lies in clarity, simplicity and diligence applied with fierce devotion to our highest priorities. Again, what we teach, how we teach, and authentic literacy really matter. The teachers and principals of the Springdale School District are immersed in this process every day, and their answers to the "what matters?" question significantly influence the degree to which continuous improvement is achieved.
Teachers address this question individually and within their school teams where curriculum and lessons are continuously being developed, tested and refined. As we continue to grow in our preparedness to develop content-rich curriculum and sound instructional lessons steeped in authentic literacy, the Springdale school system will redefine what public schools can accomplish with all children.
This constant stretching to get better is at the heart of the culture of the Springdale School District. The district's goal to keep "getting better at getting better" at serving all children to the highest level possible provides an internal incentive that motivates every teacher and every principal to continuously improve.
Every child we serve is the beneficiary of that conscious and continuous commitment. It is indeed the privilege of a lifetime.
JIM ROLLINS IS SUPERINTENDENT OF SPRINGDALE PUBLIC SCHOOLS. HE HAS SERVED IN THAT CAPACITY SINCE 1982.
NW News on 02/27/2014