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For
more than a decade, Mohonasen faculty and administration
have been incorporating research-based strategies and
practices in a determined effort to raise standards and
boost student achievement in grades K-12.
Over time, the results
have been impressive. Last year, for example, 84 percent
of Mohonasen students from the Class of 2007 graduated
with a Regents Diploma, up from just 54 percent in 2000.
Today more students than ever are also continuing their
education at two and four year colleges—88 percent of
Mohonasen's Class of 2007 compared to 75 percent in
2000.
"These are all
reasons to celebrate," says Superintendent of
Schools Dr. Kathleen Spring. "But the world is
changing rapidly and our schools are going to have to
keep improving if—as a nation and community—we're
serious about delivering on the promise of no child left
behind and providing more choices for students trying to
find their place in a changing workplace."
As a result, Mohonasen
has begun an educational planning initiative to identify
program improvements—and the impact those improvements
would have on the district's facilities.
A
renewed focus on the early years
According to
the National Institute for Early Education, high-quality
pre-K and kindergarten programs lay the foundation for
school success through all subsequent grades. These
programs have also been shown to be effective at getting
parents actively engaged in supporting their child's
learning at home.
Toward that end,
Mohonasen is weighing the benefits and costs of offering
a full day kindergarten program for all students, along
with universal "pre-K."
"This would
obviously require additional classroom space and
teaching staff," Spring notes, "but state
officials have been encouraging more schools to offer
these early education programs—and have been providing
additional funding to make it happen."
 Making
learning relevant
At the secondary level, educational research points
to the need for learning to be relevant. "It's no
secret that teens are more engaged in learning when they
can see the connections between academics and the world
of work," Spring said.
In fact, Mohonasen was
an early leader in developing school-to-work programs
that allow students to explore career interests through
coursework, project-based learning and community
internships. "Now we would like to take it to the
next level," Spring adds.
As part of its
educational planning process, the district is looking at
innovative ways to forge community partnerships that
help tie school and work together.
One recent example of
this is the branch office of the First New York Federal
Credit Union that set up operation at Mohonasen High
School. This partnership offers business-minded students
a chance to operate a bank office and work with local
banking leaders. "It's a win-win," Spring
notes, "and frankly, I can see real potential for
many more community partnerships down the
road."
District officials
would also like to offer more career and technical
education programs at Mohonasen that allow students to
prepare for new careers in the high-tech industries
settling in this area, such as nanotechnology and
biotechnology.
Additionally, district
officials are looking at demographic changes in the
community. For example, there is some evidence to
suggest homes that were long occupied by senior citizens
are now turning over to younger families with school-age
children.
Focus
groups planned to gather community ideas and input
The district
plans to hold several community focus groups in early
spring to gather parent and community input and
ideas about the educational planning process. Anyone
interested in participating in a focus group is
encouraged to call the district office at 356-8200.
Residents may also volunteer by e-mailing Superintendent
Dr. Kathleen Spring or Assistant
Superintendent for Business Denise Swezey. Please
include your name and phone number in the e-mail.
"We want to hear
from as wide a representation of people in this
community as possible," said Spring. "It's
vital that our community gets engaged and invested in
both the challenges and the opportunities ahead."
Photo caption: Two high
school students help a staff member at the new First New
York Federal Credit Union branch inside Mohonasen High
School.
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