Conversation 2007:

P-20 Presentation

November 16, 2007

Shaping Educational Excellence in Colorado

Process Overview

Round 1: What should be the goal(s) of public education?

Round 2: What strategies should we use to achieve those goals?

Round 3: What must we do to implement those strategies?

Round 1: What should be the goal(s) of public education?

10 Dialogues held in various communities around the state

Open-ended question about goals

Captured & prioritized all ideas

Synthesized ideas — top 10 list(Included 90% of all ideas)

Round 2: Identifying Strategies to Reach Goals

15 meetings across state

Prioritized goal statements

Open-ended questions regarding strategies for achieving goals

Strategies synthesized into categories & themes

Round 2: Prioritize Goal Statements (avg. priority)

1. Help all students achieve their maximum potential (3.24)

2. Develop critical and creative thinkers (3.95)

3. Ensure a basic proficiency in skills and facts (4.70)

4. Ensure all students are prepared for post-secondary options (vocational or college) (4.84)

5. Develop responsible citizens (4.91)

6. Inspire lifelong learners (5.48)

7. Educate the whole child (5.79)

8. Produce globally competitive workers/economically viable adults (6.23)

9. Teach ethics/character (6.87)

10. Teach global awareness (7.87)

Round 2: Key Strategy Areas

Standards & Curriculum

Instructional Methods

Community/Parent/Student Engagement

P-20 Transitions

Systemic Design Principles

Funding

Social Service Support

Assessment

Teacher Training & Support

School Culture & Climate

Facilities

Governance

Round 2: Reflections on Results

Good Ideas (e.g., ideas for improving instruction, suggestions for engaging parents)

Priorities & Common Ground (e.g., high expectations for all learners; option for universal early childhood education)

Tensions & Dilemmas (e.g., covering core content vs. mastering skills, balancing choice and equity)

Share with P-20 Council & CDE

Ongoing dialogue

Round 2: Top Priorities and Common Ground

Differentiate instruction/learning opportunities (24%)

Integrate academics with real world (16%)

Engage and inform parents/support students (7.7%)

Reform teacher tenure/certification/teaching (7.3%)

Raise/universalize standards (6.8%)

Round 2: Reflections on Results (con’t)

To reach our shared goals (Round 1), we need to employ a number of key strategies (Round 2) much more aggressively.

However, when we try to implement some of the most important strategies, we find ourselves in a downward spiral dilemma.

A Sample of the Downward Spiral Dilemma

To implement a strategy like “smaller class sizes,” schools need more funds

Before the community will support more funds, they need to see more accountability

For teachers to be held more accountable, they need to be sure of the parent support

Before parents can be more fully supportive, schools have to be more welcoming and better equipped to serve each child’s needs

Current Context: Isolation & Frustration

Students

Families

Educators

Community

20th Century View of Education System

Students

Families

Educators

Community

21st Century View of Learning System

Students

Families

Educators

Community

Examples of Reciprocal Relationships

Students

Families

Educators

Community

• Community provides adequate resources.

• Educators induce students to meet learning goals

• Educators individualize learning.

• Students take responsibility for their learning.

Discussion Task: Describe Needs & Responsibilities

Students

Need:

Responsible for:

Educators

Need:

Responsible for:

Families

Need:

Responsible for:

Community

Need:

Responsible for:

Implications for the P-20 Council

Universal theme: need for integrated, mutually responsible solutions

P-3

Dropout Prevention

Educators

Data and Accountability

Preparations and Accountability

Now What?

Capstone meeting — November 20 6:00 PM, Bruce Randolph Middle School in Denver

Integrate results with other statewide conversations– HB 1118 (CASB)– Great Education Colorado– C21L– By the People

Final presentation to P-20 on November 27

Engage and inform the network of participants

Contact Information

civilconversations@msn.com

www.Conversation2007.org

www.civiccanopy.org