In Community Consolidated School District 181, we are off to a very
strong start in the 2012-13 year. Our students have been learning, growing, and
enjoying all that a positive educational experience can bring.
Our District Strategic Goals for this school
year are focused on Student
Growth, Common Core Curriculum, Opportunities for Community
Engagement, Responsible Finances, and Employee Excellence. Click here to learn more about our SCORE Goals and how
they will be put into action. Click here to view our Mid-Year Progress Report,
which outlines the gains we have already made in achieving our goals.
Please read on to learn about exciting District news for the
2012-2013 school year:
-
Writing Curriculum and Balanced Literacy
- During the 2011-2012 school year, we piloted a new writing curriculum, which
resulted in improved technique and subject knowledge for the students in the
pilot classrooms. All students are being instructed using the new writing
curriculum this school year. In addition, our teachers are focusing their
professional development on Balanced Literacy, which includes instruction in writing, reading, assessment, word study, and listening and speaking.
- Mathematics and Common Core - CCSD 181
students continue to excel in mathematics, with over 98% of our students
meeting or exceeding state standards in this subject. We have begun accelerating our mathematics curriculum to align with the Illinois Standards
for Common Core Curriculum and challenging even more students with above-grade
level curriculum. Our goal is to increase the number of students who
successfully complete Algebra I by the end of Grade 8.
-
Community Engagement - The Board of
Education held community engagement meetings this fall that focused on strategic planning and educational programming for advanced
learning. We also received
more than 600 responses to community and parent surveys that will guide our efforts
in the areas of advanced learning, communications, finances, and technology.
- Balanced Budget - When I became Superintendent
in 2010, we had a deficit budget. We ended Fiscal Year 2012 with a pre-audit
surplus of over $575,000. Our budget for Fiscal Year 2013 is balanced.
In related news, District 181 has once again earned a
AAA bond rating from Standard & Poor’s, putting District 181 among the top 2%
of bond-rated districts in the United States.
- Mobile Technology – The @d181 Initiative
Committee completed an action research project on the impact of mobile
technology on student learning in 2011-12 and is
continuing their action research this year
With four schools participating in the piloted use of
1:1 devices for 2012-13, we are eager to see the data regarding student
achievement and engagement at the conclusion of this school year.
Our Vision is to be a school district where all children
experience success and grow in excellence. I am confident that we will continue
to excel in making this vision a reality for our students as we prepare them
for the future.
Sincerely,
Dr. ReneĢe Schuster, Superintendent