An initial comment:
All agreed with the tone and content of our school's beliefs and philosophies
as impressively described in the “Findings” sections. As teachers,
we are pleased to be associated with a public institution founded to address
and meet the individual needs of students and families.
Culture
** Findings – In the last paragraph, specifics might be added to “formal
and informal ways” for sharing information, including the advisor and ES/agenda
meetings, our handbook, our email policies, and our “chain of command” – the
means by which we obtain swift and salient answers to questions and concerns.
** Strengths - The one on one relationship between ES and family encourages optimum
circumstances for open communication on several fronts – educational, mental,
and emotional – contributing to student success and increased self-esteem.
** Growth Areas – Specifically associated with “continued efforts
to maintain effective communication between administration, teachers, and families
regarding changes and student learning via meetings”, we would suggest
that:
1) Policy changes are “grouped” and presented, say, twice a
year, rather than in many small spurts that have the tendency to be overlooked
in the flood of information.
2) ESs be included in selecting inservice topics, as we have a finger on
the “pulse” of what families are struggling with, as well as first
hand knowledge of our own areas of need. Given the opportunity, this year,
our group would have chosen to have our large get-togethers focus, at least in
part, on curriculum, e.g.: getting together in committees and putting together
VPA or special interest “learning packets”; sharing ideas and/or
compiling lists of activities for PE, Family Studies, etc.; and developing grade-level
curriculums with materials suggestions, as each teacher has something different
to contribute based on his or her expertise and experience with subject
areas and age groups.
Vision and Purpose - This look good.......