Fairhaven Public School District

Dear School Community,

In my letter to the school community last week I stated that the validation of our expenditures that comprise our budget must be transparent so we may make informed decisions. At that same time we introduced our vision for a 21st Century district. I stated that we are not asking for more money to do the same, we will be requesting level service dollars to do so much more. As a result, our district's 21st Century Vision process will take place through the prioritization of the educational program and by re-structuring within the budget as opposed to traditionally adding to the bottom line. This approach is fiscally responsible. In difficult financial times, this endeavor allows us to take a critical look at all available human resources.

The rationale and justification for such a vision is grounded and current in the latest educational research. Breaking Ranks (1996) stated that, a global economy leaves few places for Americans without adequate skills because the world is filled with those who will labor for wages for which few in this country could afford to work. Furthermore, in an ever-changing global environment, the best and highest quality of education is a necessity no longer reserved for the few, but demanded for all. In order to meet the demands of the 21st Century employment market, we must expose our students to a diversity of destinations, making them aware of the tools each individual needs to pursue multiple options in a productive and independent work life. Author Daniel Pink put it succinctly when he stated that; "we need to prepare kids for their future, not our past."

Current economic downturns at the federal and state level may appear on the surface to jeopardize our opportunity to move the educational program forward. However, we have always led in this district by the adage that "we cannot wait another day in the life of a child." With that in mind, the Secretary of Education Paul Reville's comments are most appropriate. "We must seize the leadership opportunity inherent in a time like this – the opportunity to project a strong vision for the future of public education while making the tough decisions that will enable us to realize that vision."

Our Vision for a 21st Century District rests on the belief that all students have the natural ability to succeed at high levels and that it is our responsibility to find out how to nurture, develop and encourage each innate talent. Our children deserve nothing less.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert Baldwin Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
January 16, 2009

Delivery of Reading

• Reads actively, critically, and competently for a variety of purposes.

Humanities

• Communicates literal, interpretive, and critical understandings in clear expository, narrative, and descriptive writing.
• Writes effective persuasive essays by taking a clear position, supporting that position with accurate and relevant information, organizing ideas logically and effectively, and expressing ideas with clarity and fluency.
• Speaks clearly and concisely, communicating effectively and accurately in meaningful conversation, so as to defend a position and exchange information.

Science, Technology, Environment, and Mathematics

• Understands important mathematical concepts and procedures, and engages in complex mathematical tasks and methods to solve problems.
• Has a knowledge base in the biological, earth, and physical sciences, understanding unifying themes in the sciences, and applies the scientific principles and methods through research investigations and inquiry-based activities.

College Ready

• Is aware of his/her post-secondary educational options.

Stretch Learning

• Demonstrates rigorous and relevant learning beyond the minimum requirements.

Career Pathways

• Meets the demands of the employment market by demonstrating the skills and the knowledge necessary for career opportunities and options.

World Language

• Has a fundamental knowledge of a language other than English and understands and respects the diversity of languages and cultures.

The Arts

• Displays skillful and creative expression in the visual, performing, and media arts.

Information Technology

• Uses information and communications technology, to retrieve, synthesize, and communicate information.

Personal Skill Development

Measures of personal, social, service, and leadership skills and demonstrations of positive behaviors and attitudes.

• Understands that each individual is instrumental in improving the quality of life for all members of the community.
• Demonstrates critical, creative, and innovative thinking, while identifying and solving real-world problems.
• Understands the need and accepts the responsibility for autonomous learning and self-direction.
• Understands and values the responsibilities and the rights of United States citizenship and knowledgably participates in the democratic process.
• Understands and respects the need for standards of self-discipline, accountability, integrity, and ethics in a civil society.
• Demonstrates and recognizes the principles of wellness and physical fitness.

Student Engagement

The extent to which students are motivated and committed to learning; have a sense of belonging and accomplishment; and have relationships with adults, peers, and parents that support learning.

• Has an adult in the school, who knows the student well and assists the student in achieving their outcomes.
• Demonstrates collaboration skills as a member of a team, is able to teach others new skills, and exercises leadership qualities and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrates the ability to work with and show respect for diverse groups of people and recognizes the need for social responsibility and global awareness.
• Is an active student member in co-curricular activities.