Schools Embrace Student Autonomy to Boost Engagement

This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Link to Full Meeting

The Tumwater School District Board Meeting held on November 9, 2024, focused on key initiatives aimed at improving student engagement and academic performance at Bush Middle School. Principal Elliot Hedin presented the school's 2024-2025 School Improvement Plan, emphasizing strategies to enhance attendance, reduce failing grades, and foster a positive school culture.

The meeting began with discussions on student autonomy, highlighting the importance of allowing students to make responsible decisions regarding their campus presence. Suggestions included implementing a sign-out system to track student departures while ensuring parental consent for off-campus activities. This approach aims to balance student independence with school accountability.

Principal Hedin then outlined specific goals for the school year, including increasing attendance rates to 90% and reducing the number of failing grades across all grades. Current data indicated that 81% of students were attending school regularly, with a target to decrease failing grades from 8.7% in eighth grade to 7%, and from 6% to 4.5% in seventh grade. Hedin noted that the school would monitor these metrics quarterly to assess progress.

The presentation also addressed the implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to improve student behavior and engagement. Hedin reported on the introduction of a new online rewards system that incentivizes positive classroom behavior, which has already shown promising results in motivating students.

In addition to behavioral strategies, Hedin discussed the importance of academic accountability and the need to combat student apathy. He emphasized that fostering a culture of responsibility among students is crucial for improving overall academic performance. The school plans to implement mastery-based learning, allowing students to progress at their own pace and choose from various assessment methods.

Board members raised questions regarding the effectiveness of these initiatives, particularly concerning students with disabilities and the overall impact on academic proficiency. Hedin acknowledged the challenges but reiterated that the focus on accountability and engagement would benefit all students, including those in need of additional support.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing evaluation of the school improvement strategies, with plans for quarterly assessments and adjustments based on data collected throughout the year. The board expressed support for the initiatives and encouraged continued communication with families to ensure a collaborative approach to student success.

Converted from TSD Board Meeting meeting on November 09, 2024
Link to Full Meeting