| SMART, SAFE SCHOOLS
Why Smart, Safe Schools?
What possibilities exist in the 21st century for the graduates
of Newport News Public Schools? Will they have a solid foundation
in basic subjects such as English, math and science? Have they learned
about different career pathways and job opportunities? Will they
have the educational preparation to pursue the careers they want?
How will they manage work and personal goals? Do they value and
have an interest in being involved in their community? Do they possess
the essential thinking skills and habits necessary to be prepared
for college or work? Are they ready for the 21st century?
Newport News Public Schools has made strides in enhancing academic
performance, significantly raising achievement levels, increasing
enrollment in rigorous coursework, boosting the percentage of students
taking SATs, moving students into higher-level math, expanding preschool
access, and narrowing achievement gaps.
At the same time, the school division has worked to create environments
for students by defining clear expectations for behavior in the Rights and Responsibilities Handbook, investing
in security staff and electronic surveillance, and supporting programs
that build positive relationships.
As we move into the 21st century it is imperative that we do more
than meet the basic standards. Our new challenge is to invent the
kind of schools that address current academic standards while preparing
students to become tomorrow’s workforce.
The world in which our students will live is changing daily and,
we have a responsibility to prepare them accordingly. The 21st century
workplace for our students will be defined by:
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Diversity – By 2050, no single racial or ethnic
group will constitute more than 50 percent of the population.
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21st Century Knowledge & Skills – Social
and intellectual skills will both drive and determine economic
success, intensifying competition for well-educated people.
New job entrants will need oral and written communication, time
management, critical thinking, problem solving, personal accountability,
and the ability to work effectively with others. Eighty percent
of the fastest growing jobs will require some post secondary
education.
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Advanced Technology – Technology will increase
the speed of communication and pace of invention. Today’s
students must be prepared for jobs involving a high level of
technology skills, complex communication, and expert thinking.
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Career Adaptability – By 2015, more than half
of the world will be working in jobs that don’t yet exist.
Our kindergartners will have nine jobs and four careers in their
lifetime.
The bottom line is that NNPS must make it possible for all students
to succeed in the 21st century. The economic and demographic changes
which are influencing the job market make it clear that the education
that was good enough 35 years ago is not good enough today. Imagine
instead, the possibilities that abound for the students who attend
Smart, Safe Schools, places where:
Smart Schools
- All students read on level by grade three and master complex
literacy in grades five, eight, and 11.
- All students successfully complete Algebra I by the end of
eighth grade.
- Learning can be used in life outside of school.
- Professional development enables educators to help students
gain the knowledge and skills they need.
- Every student and staff member has on-demand access to current
technology and uses it to work productively.
- Students identify a career pathway and choose high school courses
that open doors to post secondary studies and careers.
- Students think wisely, use technology with discernment, interview
well, and serve their community.
- All students demonstrate the skills for 21st century success.
- All students and staff contribute to a nurturing environment
that encourages students to challenge themselves and take risks
in pursuit of higher academic achievement.
Safe Schools
- Students have access to prevention and intervention strategies
that match their needs.
- Students use citizenship education and anti-bullying strategies
to enhance the school environment.
- Students learn about and demonstrate leadership abilities through
participation in volunteer and other civic activities.
- Alternative programs provide opportunities for suspended students
to continue their education and demonstrate their ability to participate
positively upon their return to the regular classroom.
- Well-trained school security officers and other staff assist
students in making good decisions and modeling correct behavior
while at school.
The Newport News School Division
does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, creed, marital status, age or disability in its
programs, activities, or employment practices as required by
the Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504, and ADA regulations.
Regina Harris, HR Compliance Supervisor, Human Resources, Newport
News Public Schools, at 12507 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA
23606, (757-881-5061), is responsible for coordinating the division's
efforts to meet its obligations under Section 504, Title IX,
the ADA, and their implementing regulations.
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EDUCATION IN THE 21st CENTURY
"The silver lining to the 21st-century
challenges that educators face is that our education system
holds enormous potential and can reverse the trends and resume
a leadership position by refocusing on 21st century skills.
The same global marketplace that brings international players
to our shores is opening new doors for our youth in other
lands. The key question is whether they are prepared to embrace
these new opportunities and thrive in a 'flat' world. Do they
have the skills to survive?"
- Center for Children
and Technology |
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