The idea of our district having the freedom to teach innovatively without the rules and regulations that so often limit us as teachers, is so exciting! As a district, we've already taken the "road less traveled" with our Citizenship, College, and Career Readiness. It only makes sense that our district would choose to become a Charter District. I'm personally hoping that we get approval for this endeavor. The opportunities that we could provide our students and future generations is limitless! The C3 Initiative will only be that much more successful with Innovative Schools to correspond.
I feel that most teachers in our district would be excited for this change, and would strive in this type of environment. Not to be negative, but some will not desire this. Will they adjust or move on? Again, not to be negative, (I ask this as a concerned parent) but will our district have more authority/power to remove teachers not willing to comply? I read Brian's blog and he mentions the importance of all schools across the board participating and I agree. Every school will have to be fully committed for this to really work.
Here are some of my questions based on curiosity alone:
Would funding change? If so, in what way?
How would this change affect our vision, mission, goals as a district, if any?
What kind of training would teachers be provided with to adjust to this change?
How would our curriculum change innovatively speaking. More science materials, resources, technology?
How will collaboration change - what will it look like compared to now? I wish we could have a 2-3 hour collaboration time each week, similar to the high school.
Will our school day/year become longer?
Will we be able to provide more innovative programs for our students?
More funding for technology?
School uniforms/dress code?
Opportunities for after school programs/tutoring?
Better school lunches? Just curious. :)
Opportunities for foreign language at the elementary level?
More science opportunities at the elementary level - Wouldn't it be SOOOO awesome if our district had an elementary science teacher that traveled to all schools just teaching science - as one of their specials (this idea came from Shane's friend at MC).
Increase parental involvement?
I am proud to teach for McPherson schools because of their commitment to our students. Our district is willing to do what it takes to help our students succeed, which is evident in the C3 Initiative. Gaining approval to become a Charter District could be the difference between being stuck in an old system that's going nowhere or breaking free to innovation, ingenuity, and a new way to prepare our students for the future.
