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Budget Transparency
We need to make sure that the school budget remains focused
directly on improving teaching and learning. We need to spend
money where it will have an impact on teachers and assistant
teachers who work directly with students. What programs and
personnel are making the most difference? Gathering data and
developing plans for students is essential, but so is judging
the results. If these programs are not working, we must redirect
the money. The School Committee needs a member who has a background
in education and can rigorously evaluate these plans and programs.
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Leadership
Principals are the most important leaders in our school system.
They set the tone for their schools and play the primary role
in evaluating and developing our teachers. All Principals,
but especially the ones newest to our system, need guidance
and support. Principals need more coaching to help them know
better how to tackle the specific needs of their schools.
We need to help them develop, mentor, and evaluate teachers
so our teachers never stop improving.
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Teachers
The most important part of any school is its teachers. Excellent
teachers need meaningful professional development, useful
evaluations, and supportive teaching environments. They also
need many opportunities and time to share best practices with
colleagues.
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Middle School
I have spent my teaching career working with middle school
students and have seen first-hand the strengths and capabilities
of 11-14 year olds. When presented with an opportunity to
study a topic in depth and connect it to their world, their
potential for learning is limitless. This age group is capable
of so much; therefore, we must have the highest expectations
of them.
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Shared Youth, Shared Strategies
Each school day, over 1,300 Cambridge middle school youth
leave schools in the early afternoon. These same youth end
school in late June, not returning to classrooms until September.
What they do every day after school and over the summer months
may have dramatic, lasting impacts on their school and life
success. Mounting research suggests that middle school youth
who engage in quality out-of-school-time (OST) activities
perform better academically, demonstrate greater social and
emotional competency, engage less in risk behaviors, and engage
more in sports and exercise in comparison to youth who do
not participate in OST activities. Therefore, it is of
great concern that only one-third of Cambridge middle school
youth regularly participate in OST programs and activities.
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Role of the School Committee
Communication is the centerpiece of effective leadership.
This means that school committee members, administrators,
and staff must communicate openly and work collaboratively
with each other and with the wider community to achieve our
common goal. Divisive politics, micromanaging and personality
conflicts have no place in an effective school system. Discussions
should focus on issues and not personalities. Respect and
courtesy in voicing opinions and constructive dialogue to
resolve differences will get the job done.
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