Conversation 2007: P-20 Presentation November 16, 2007 Shaping Educational Excellence in Colorado

Process Overview Round 1: What should be the goal(s) of public education? Round 2: What strategies should we use to achieve those goals? Round 3: What must we do to implement those strategies?

Round 1: What should be the goal(s) of public education? 10 Dialogues held in various communities around the state Open-ended question about goals Captured & prioritized all ideas Synthesized ideas — top 10 list (Included 90% of all ideas)

Round 2: Identifying Strategies to Reach Goals 15 meetings across state Prioritized goal statements Open-ended questions regarding strategies for achieving goals Strategies synthesized into categories & themes

Round 2: Prioritize Goal Statements (avg. priority) 1. Help all students achieve their maximum potential (3.24) 2. Develop critical and creative thinkers (3.95) 3. Ensure a basic proficiency in skills and facts (4.70) 4. Ensure all students are prepared for post-secondary options (vocational or college) (4.84) 5. Develop responsible citizens (4.91) 6. Inspire lifelong learners (5.48) 7. Educate the whole child (5.79) 8. Produce globally competitive workers/economically viable adults (6.23) 9. Teach ethics/character (6.87) 10. Teach global awareness (7.87)

Round 2: Key Strategy Areas Standards & Curriculum Instructional Methods Community/Parent/ Student Engagement P-20 Transitions Systemic Design Principles Funding Social Service Support Assessment Teacher Training & Support School Culture & Climate Facilities Governance

Round 2: Reflections on Results Good Ideas (e.g., ideas for improving instruction, suggestions for engaging parents) Priorities & Common Ground (e.g., high expectations for all learners; option for universal early childhood education) Tensions & Dilemmas (e.g., covering core content vs. mastering skills, balancing choice and equity) Share with P-20 Council & CDE Ongoing dialogue

Round 2: Top Priorities and Common Ground Differentiate instruction/learning opportunities (24%) Integrate academics with real world (16%) Engage and inform parents/support students (7.7%) Reform teacher tenure/certification/teaching (7.3%) Raise/universalize standards (6.8%)

Round 2: Reflections on Results (con’t) To reach our shared goals (Round 1), we need to employ a number of key strategies (Round 2) much more aggressively. However, when we try to implement some of the most important strategies, we find ourselves in a downward spiral dilemma.

A Sample of the Downward Spiral Dilemma To implement a strategy like “smaller class sizes,” schools need more funds Before the community will support more funds, they need to see more accountability For teachers to be held more accountable, they need to be sure of the parent support Before parents can be more fully supportive, schools have to be more welcoming and better equipped to serve each child’s needs

Current Context: Isolation & Frustration Students Families Educators Community

20 th Century View of Education System Students Families Educators Community

21 st Century View of Learning System Students Families Educators Community

Examples of Reciprocal Relationships Students Families Educators Community Community provides adequate resources. Educators induce students to meet learning goals Educators individualize learning. Students take responsibility for their learning.

Discussion Task: Describe Needs & Responsibilities Students Need: Responsible for: Educators Need: Responsible for: Families Need: Responsible for: Community Need: Responsible for:

Implications for the P-20 Council Universal theme: need for integrated, mutually responsible solutions P-3 Dropout Prevention Educators Data and Accountability Preparations and Accountability

Now What? Capstone meeting — November 20 6:00 PM, Bruce Randolph Middle School in Denver Integrate results with other statewide conversations – HB 1118 (CASB) – Great Education Colorado – C21L – By the People Final presentation to P-20 on November 27 Engage and inform the network of participants

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