NWEA MAP Growth@ -vs- MO. MAP Proficiency Achievement
World Class 'Teach to The Standards' Academics, to a 'Growth' Mindset
Today's Lindbergh academics are, comparable to average institutions nationally from a Growth MAP@ measure. Noting that MAP Growth@ does not measure knowledge nor proficiency. We fall behind several adjacent districts, in most state academic MAP proficiency achievements. As of the time of the report downloads above. Less than 48%* of test taking students scored at proficient levels in mathematics. We should not accept these odds for any of our children. Based on current scores, our students have a better chance at winning a random coin flip than they do scoring at proficient levels in math or science. today we put nearly all emphasis on MAP Growth@ or new teaching philosophies. While we turn a near blind eye to actual MAP academic proficiency and our current failings in proficiency achievements. We need balance, in academic accountability.
TAKEAWAYS
We need to find balance between new educational practices and proven successful practices. Times, technologies, and teaching methodologies are changing rapidly. Both Growth and MAP Proficiencies are important. But balance is needed. Don't simply 'throw the baby out with the bathwater'.
Teachers Are Our Greatest Resource
Teachers Change Lives
Our teachers are THE most valuable resource our children have. Teacher Student ratio have a direct impact on academic MAP proficiency scores. The current BOE members and Administration have indicated that, they believe we have the teaching resources needed to meet the needs of our students. Noting that nearly all adjacent districts have ~10-15% lower teacher student ratios than Lindbergh. State reported numbers indicate these adjacent districts have best cases at 1-14 teacher resource, while Lindbergh is 1-17. Until this year Lindbergh was 1-19.
Early intervention, with a pilot that lowers teacher student ratios, at all elementary schools earliest levels, can provide the greatest academic return on investment (ROI) over the long term to the district. Downstream teachers, and as a result, other students would all receive benefits from such the pilot, in the future. Adding to high grade levels after a displayed return on investment. A pilot simultaneous at the 6th grade level might offer the same benefits to our middle schools.
Current union contracts should have our teachers on a path to 'fair' salaries that should put them in the top ~5-10% of the region. Our teachers should never have fallen outside these ranges. Teachers should always be assured a guaranteed minimum that is competitive and comparable to region and adjacent districts. Our teacher 3 yr retention rate of ~66% needs to improve. In addition to reducing their classroom sizes.
TAKEAWAYS
Competitive pay scale and student teacher ratio's are contributing factors to both retention rate and poor proficiencies.
Advocating for a pilot study adding 1 teacher K-3 to all K-5 schools. Expanding with proof of returns on investment (ROI).
Ratios may have drop January 2023. Helpful yes, still insufficient.
Innovation, Technology, & Future Ready Schools
Technology & Future ready schools
Changes in technology and the speed at which they occur will be one of the biggest challenges for all schools moving forward in the future. The half life of technologies in some cases is as short as 2-4 years. So technologies available as Freshmen will be obsolete by the first year post graduation. This poses at least two major concerns. One... what workforce technology tools we make available to students, and two; what technology issues that are used in day to day instruction.
TAKEAWAYS
As a technology expert with for over 35 years of professional experience using cutting edge technologies, including full lifecycle software development, AI Systems, Knowledge based Engineering, & Computer Aided Mechanical design; I am absolutely certain I can play a constructive role addressing these future technology challenges.
We need to ensure the preservation our children's privacy when using future technology tools , whether it be academic, health, personal, biometric data, or otherwise.
These will be ongoing challenges for years to come. We need to be agile in how we address these technology half life issues.
Who's Getting Lost Now
Oh My....
I cannot begin to tell you at this moment. More to Come.