Education Ð April 2004 Survey

http://www.keysregion.org/surveyresults/surveyresults.htm

 

    * Raising standards, fully supported schools, regional administration

    * Changing State law to mandate public education starting at age 6, not 7 as is currently

    * Revision of goals to be achieved and how to reach them financially-not just throw away $Õs at the issue of education

    * Identify ÒW/FMÓ for each community to accept the concept of regionalizing, i.e., how to overcome turf issues

    *  Regional plan to better use resources

    * More funding for college if we keep the students in Maine, what is available for scholarships?

    * After school and summer opportunities for all children

    * Quality education is an investment in the future as a community act of optimism

    * The taxpayers are demanding more accountability

 

Other comments Ð not rated

 

    * Ownership/partnership of community education, affordable approaches, standards not challenged

    * More student aid, more integration with recreation programs, more adult participation in student recreation programs

    * Look at savings in education that do not jeopardize, and may enhance education

    * Regionalization including programs for disabled intellectually and developmentally

    * Students are motivated and encouraged to seek education beyond H.S. Ð students excited about learning, experimental learning

    * Responding to changing demands of workforce and economy.   Remains or becomes affordable in secondary or post-secondary schools

    * Centralized school administration while maintaining neighborhood schools and educational hope

    * Classroom size, pay for quality/teachers/support, curriculum, adult education

    * Restructuring schools to be more student friendly Ð longer school days to eliminate home along syndrome that includes outward bound adventure activities, the arts, physical activities

    * I want us to talk about ways not only to save $ but also to improve our educational system

    * More interface with educational opportunities outside the school, bring in performers and artists from outside the school Ð find funding for this

    * Economy of scale with the lower level and retarded students in a central location better equipped to teach - Waban

    * Cost of education, quality of education, consolidating administration

    * Broad enough, like the idea that economic support not specifically stated, but implied in the word ÒsuccessfulÓ, how to maintain quality education while regionalizing

    * That schools are adequately funded

    * Quality education, shared structure and learning opportunities

    * Create a holistic model for education that includes visual and language arts on going K-12

    * Neighborhood schools near downtown centers, small class size, vibrant community college

    * Feel important in order to keep younger generations learning and working in Maine

    * I like the emphasis of education as lifelong.  Schools should become community centers for everyone not just children

 

 

Education Table Notes 9/29/05

as written on the tablecloth during cafŽ style conversations, in response to this vision/goals statement:

 

Education Vision: We envision a regional community where all our children and youth are successfully educated, and all our citizens are supported in their life-long learning.

 

Goals to move us toward that vision:

 

a.          The KEYS region schools have an extended school year with coordinated and accessible courses offered at all grade levels.

b.          The KEYS region schools have an expanded centralized purchasing system so that all KEYS school districts can save money by using economies of scale.

c.          Every KEYS student/adult will graduate from high school, college-ready with a plan for the future.

d.          The KEYS region schools will offer services to underserved students on a regional basis, looking at adult education, alternative education, recreational offerings and preschool therapies.

e.         All KEYS children will have appropriate support and interventions to be ready to learn when they enter kindergarten.

 

Conversation participants:  Kristen W-G., Christopher G., Marla L-E., Patty H., Jenifer VD., Helene C., Kim P., Carin S., Courtney E. (List of participants may not be complete for any table.)

 

Table Notes (lines separate clusters of notes):

 

á      Regional student exchange Ð perhaps after school resources Ð for courses few students at each school want i.e. languages, high end math or science, AP courses

á      Community resource person to coordinate resource and then meet regionally to stay on top of connections

á      Diversity understanding

á      Learning ideas

á      Communication

á      We need to teach children life skills with college goals Ð cluelessness is not ok

á      Enrollments up and down

á      People who can afford to move to the area wonÕt have kids

á      Growth ordinance and school population are connected

á      MSAD 35 1st and 3rd Wed  -  York same schedule

á      Education to include opportunities for home schoolers Ð open to different subjects Ð flow in and out

á      Be open to alternative education Ð ref. Mel Levine

á      Lots of ways to learn Ð think outside the box

á      collaboration

á      Need representation of young children on school board (and other boards)

á      Òemail parentsÓ Ð changing relationships

á      School board top three priorities Ð bring consultants in Ð legality forum/workshop Ð connect together 2 times per year

á      State reps come in and talk about what is coming up

á      Connections

á      Love of place

á      Connected or isolated

á      Human ecology

á      year round school would be great

 

á      Diversity education Ð how to make it real?

á      service learning Ð resources in the school used by all age groups

á      intergenerational learning

á      Autism forum regionally for parents Ð lay help

á      Bring back parents as educators

á      school board education workshops

á      visual arts

á      volunteer coordinator

á      website for regional arts offerings Ð courses

á      **need a coordinator Ð regional arts coordinator, maybe through local arts associations

á      Every family as an expert

á      community

á      distance

á      connectedness

á      Educate

 

á      Class listings on KEYS website coordinator for community lessons

á      communication

 

á      ecology consciousness

á      regional collaboration around specialized education programs/services/intergenerational/interdistrict education/expertise