The Plainview-Old Bethpage has outlined important goals for the district as a whole as the new school year kicks in, focusing on improving test scores and maintaining a challenging curriculum.
In recent years, the district has fallen below their anticipated rankings in New York State math and ELA exams but the board plans to make effective changes in curriculum and instruction this year to bring those scores back to previous standings.
A document released by board president Gary Bettan indicates the district would like to "continue to evaulate our K-12 curriculum and determine what changes need to be made with a closer look at the number of students taking accelerated subjects and the infusion of higher level writing tasks in all areas."
Major areas that are being examined this year include writing fundamentals for grades 3, 4, 5 and 6, current mathematic course offerings, specifically grade 8 and high school geometry and ELA programs like read aloud grades 1-2, literature of the supernatural, contemporary literature, writing for college I, writing for college II and fundations grades K-1. Guidance issues will also be addressed, such as a focus on bullying, harassment and internet safety.
The board of education is also focusing more on school climate in the new term to "develop policies and programs to create an environment where all members are welcomed, supported and feel safe in school"
Plainview-Old Bethpage officials find "dignity for all students" as an essential component to the community's wellbeing, implementing extensive training for all administrators, faculty and staff and common instruction for all students districtwide. To better the school climate, the district also plans to analyze results of comprehensive school climate inventory and develop plans based on survey results.
Lastly, the board strives to continue effective fiscal management strategies and meet human resources requirements. The district will implement the new annual professional performance review for teachers and administrators and spend the upcoming months conducting a thorough search for a new superintendent for the 2012-13 school year.
