Laurel School District Superintendent Dr. Toy Watts addressed the Laurel City Council at its last meeting, offering a Powerpoint presentation and giving a synopsis to city leaders of where the school district currently is with its performance levels, personnel and facilities.
Below, in a question-and-answer format, Dr. Watts summarizes where the Laurel School District is succeeding, where improvements are needed, and proposed changes – both short and long-term – inside the district that are on the horizon.
In the city county meeting you said, “We’ve had a few moments of uplift, but we’ve got a ways to go.” Expound on those moments of uplift and then also talk about the pressing things you would like to see the school district accomplish over the next year and then things on the agenda for the long-term.
Dr. Watts: “We do have a long ways to go, because the majority of our students are not on grade level. According to the 2017-18 state assessment results, over 80 percent of our students are scoring below the proficiency mark in many areas, and we are working to change that.
“During the summer, our leadership team worked diligently to revamp all aspects of the district, including changes to administration, policies, technology, instruction and curriculum that will affect overall school climate. The Laurel School District began the year with changes in leadership at every school in the district. With four new principals joining the Tornado family, we are eager to see their energy and enthusiasm for student achievement at work, and that coupled with the experience and wisdom of our veteran administrators, we anticipate much needed growth.
“To work toward increasing student growth, the district hired two instructional specialists who are working closely with teachers by modeling rigorous and engaging lessons and making sure teachers understand the state curriculum standards. With student engagement in mind and working toward the goal of graduating college and career ready students, the district has purchased additional technology for students. With the purchase of additional mobile carts that feature Wi-Fi and Chromebooks, classrooms now have greater access to technology. Over the course of this school year, the district has added 1,527 Chromebooks.
“Already this school year, we have seen improvements in many areas. Last year, only 6.7 percent of ninth graders passed the Algebra I exit exam. This year that number has more than doubled in percent passing. At the high school we implemented a block schedule format where students take fewer classes in a semester, but spend more time in those classes. This has allowed our teachers to go deeper into the subject content, and we have seen an increase in students making the Honor Roll for academic achievement.”
I understand that Mason and Maddox do not have pre-K programs. Is there a movement underway to change that?
Dr. Watts: “With the district’s plans to restructure, Maddox will become an upper elementary school, which will negate the need for a pre-kindergarten program. However, beginning with the 2019-2020 school year, a four-year-old kindergarten program will be added at Mason Elementary School. We are very excited to be able to now offer 4K programs at Mason Elementary, Nora Davis Magnet and Oak Park Elementary schools. Statistically, our schools with a 4K program have performed far better on the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment, as administered by the state, than those schools without a pre-kindergarten program.
The Laurel School District’s recruiting efforts have increased. How have they increased and is the school district recruiting a specific type teacher (like minimum education levels, minimum years of experience, etc), or is the school district looking for more intangible type qualities . . . like a passion to teach, a desire to see the district exceed minimum expectations, etc?
Dr. Watts: “We are looking for qualified teachers who have a passion for student success. The Laurel School District strives to provide a well-rounded curriculum that meets the needs of all students and is continually seeking innovative ways to keep students engaged and motivated. The mission of the Laurel School District is to build a community of lifelong learners by providing diverse educational opportunities, and we are looking for individuals who will join us on that mission.
“This year, the Laurel School District has hosted two in-house job fairs, and we have attended numerous teacher job fairs throughout the state. Additionally, we have revamped our recruitment materials including an online-application platform.”
You said the district is moving to a digital platform for testing. How is that beneficial to the students and to the district?
Dr. Watts: “You practice how you play and all state-mandated assessments are taken via computer. By moving all of our diagnostic testing to the digital platform, we are exposing our children to the platform they are expected to use during state testing season. This also allows our teachers to see immediate results where they can then make instructional improvements based on students’ strengths and weaknesses.
“The district purchased new curriculum software that will provide teachers with an all-encompassing program that puts student data from multiple sources into one easy to access dashboard. This will allow teachers quicker reference to student information and assessments to assist in data-driven instruction. Along with software, the curriculum department has expanded their use of standards-based instructional materials and tools. If we increase our instructional rigor and continue reinforcing the state’s curriculum standards, we will see our students move toward proficiency.”
Briefly explain what the “New to Us Teacher Academy” is and how it benefits the district. How did this idea of the “New to Us Teacher Academy” come about?
Dr. Watts: “Whether a teacher is new to the profession or just new to the district, it is important to provide support for their professional growth and development. Every district operates under different procedures and expectations. Our New-to-Us Teacher Academy allows us to have designated times to meet with our new employees, answer questions and provide any needed support.”
Briefly explain what residents of Laurel should be looking for regarding the reconfiguration of the schools within the district?
Dr. Watts: “We are excited about the district’s restructuring plan for the 2019-20 school year and the opportunities this will afford our students. Beginning in August, Oak Park Elementary School and Mason Elementary School will house four-year-old kindergarten through third grades. Maddox will become an upper elementary school with grades four and five. Laurel Middle and Laurel High will remain the same. The magnet school will move to the Stewart M. Jones Campus, becoming Laurel Magnet School of the Arts. The magnet school will still function as a 4K through 5th grade school.
The only school that will see a significant increase in enrollment will be Maddox, which as a K-5 school currently only has an enrollment of around 300.
By placing fewer grade levels at our elementary school campuses, this will allow those administrators the increased ability to provide better grade-specific supports. With a smaller group of standards to focus on, our administrators can fine-tune the instructional practices and rigor provided at their school.”
What does the future hold for the Nora Davis campus?
Dr. Watts: “Our dream for the Nora Davis/Idella Washington Campus is to create an interactive family educational center that will provide needed resources, exciting activities, and fun educational opportunities for our community.”
Elaborate on plans for Stainton to become a STEAM facility?
Dr. Watts: “Our plan for the Stainton building, which is currently vacant, calls for the creation of a STEAM Academy that will provide accelerated opportunities for our middle school students. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. We are still in the early stages of planning, but the idea is to provide three areas of focus. Students would choose between applied sciences, engineering and integrated arts. Through the three areas of focus, students will be exposed to agricultural science, robotics, architecture, coding, performing arts, visual arts, digital media and much more. The STEAM Academy will represent the opportunities available in our community.”
What measures are the district taking to raise the level of security on the school campuses?
Dr. Watts: “Our district is home to a campus police department. Our highly trained school resource officers provide our schools with daily law enforcement presence. Additionally, our SROs provide educational seminars to our students on internet safety, anti-bullying and other safe practices.
“We are in the process of installing automated locking systems on our campus entrances. Individuals cannot access the door unless they have a badge pass or the receptionist grants them access. We currently have the system installed at three locations and are working toward complete implementation of the system at all schools.”
You mentioned to the City Council some challenges the district is facing. Address the following challenges and how the school district plans to correct the challenges.
Dr. Watts: “The Laurel High School Career and Technical Center is currently home to six programs with plans to revamp the offerings in the future. We currently offer programming in culinary arts, welding, construction/carpentry, business/marketing, health sciences and child care.
“After we looked at the areas of need within our local businesses, we developed a plan to add engineering, information technology, digital media and Teacher Academy. With the state facing a teacher shortage, we decided to implement a Teacher Academy for students with an interest in the field of education. We hope that by exposing students to teaching as a job possibility, we can encourage more individuals to consider the teaching profession as their life-long career.
“This is the year for change in the Laurel School District. We have to make significant changes for our students’ future success. Every decision made and every change instituted will be done with student achievement in mind. Our goal as a district is to make sure that our students are successful beyond their years in Laurel.
“Support for a successful school system is crucial. For us to see the changes and improvements we desire, we will need support from every member of the Laurel community. We ask that you join us in encouraging our students and teachers and help us move this district to greater levels of success. We look forward to the challenges and triumphs that this new school year will bring and we hope that everyone will join us in our pursuit to “Be Golden!”