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SUPERINTENDENT'S |
May 2008
Continuous School Improvement
Best Practices Here in Mount Baker
The State Board of Education is considering the development of a new System of Accountability and Improvement. Many educators are worried that a new layer of mandates will confound the improvement efforts that are currently taking place in their schools. While I agree that the solution to improving our schools is unlikely to be in the form of a procedural requirement from a governmental agency, I also agree that schools can greatly benefit from using formal, research-based process to establish performance goals and be accountable for progress.
I am proud to be able to report to our community that this debate is relatively moot for Mount Baker School District. Each of our schools has been engaged in formal, research-based school improvement processes for several years. Our School Board works with staff to set performance goals, our staff researches the best practices that have proven effective to address our areas of need and develop a plan to implement those practices. Throughout implementing the plan staff meet frequently to monitor effectiveness and the improvement in student performance (see the article on early release days). This methodology is exactly what the State Board of Education is considering for all schools. Years ago, former Mount Baker School Board President Mike Brennan asked us to be “ahead of the curve” in our improvement efforts. I am proud to assure our community that Mount Baker schools are deeply involved in and committed to our Continuous School Improvement efforts and our students’ performance is showing excellent results.
If you’d like to learn more about our Continuous School Improvement work here at Mount Baker, please call me at 383-2000.
For more information about the State Board of Education and its work:, visit their website at www.sbe.wa.gov or call 360-725-6025.
~Rick Gantman~
