Common themes emerging as schools
work to update Future Direction Plan
More personalized learning plans, flexible calendars, and greater integration
of the community into educational system were among common themes to emerge
from initial planning meetings held by the School Board as the district works
to update its five-year Future Direction Plan.
The board held a meeting Nov. 20 for faculty members, and a workshop Nov.
28 for community members, as part of the district's strategic planning process.
In an update issued by the School Board, Strategic Planning Committee Chairman
Trish Brigham said the new plan will span two years rather than five. "This
is in response to the rapid pace of change in the education environment today,
and the belief that a shorter time horizon will allow for more manageable
and measurable results," the update says.
"While the data from the initial two meetings is still being compiled, several
common themes emerged from the conversations which took place. Among these,
was a desire for more personalized learning plans which would best suit a
student’s strengths and support their weaknesses; a school calendar
which would provide flexibility for alternative/expeditionary educational
programming options for students and varied professional development
opportunities for teachers; greater integration of the entire community into
the educational system; and a climate which promoted physical/emotional and
academic health of students and staff."
The planning process will continue next month, when representatives of the
school and community will meet to continue discussions around the district's
mission and vision statements.
The meeting is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 26, a scheduled
staff-development day. The School Board has invited representatives from
nearly every walk of Cape Elizabeth life, including town government, public
safety, the business community, the senior community, and pre-schools. "We
tried to make the process inclusive" Brigham said in a telephone interview.
The facilitated small-group discussions will continue the work of the first
two meetings, formulating the priorities of the educational system for the
next two years.
"Based on the results of this session, a review and revamping of the mission
and vision statements, may be warranted," according to Brigham.
The school's mission, formalized in the 2001 Future Direction Plan, is to
"Ensure that all our students develop the knowledge, skills, behaviors and
attitudes to become successful individuals and citizens." Brigham said she
does not foresee the mission statement changing as a result of the current
work on the Future Direction Plan, but that the vision may be revised because
the goals that have supported the vision have changed.
The vision, also developed in 2001, is that "Cape Elizabeth Public Schools
have become one of the top public school systems in the United States by
creating a dynamic organization that inspires an upbeat, innovative and
collaborative environment that results in a high level of learning and
achievement for all."
The Strategic Planning Committee encourages anyone with questions or comments
on the Future Directions Plan to contact
Alan Hawkins, superintendent,
799-2217; or any member of the
School Board.
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