In a recent government meeting, Fillmore Unified School District officials outlined their strategic goals aimed at enhancing academic achievement and supporting high-quality teaching staff. Superintendent Sheperly emphasized the district's commitment to professional development (PD) for educators, which commenced in September. Schools are currently collaborating with professional learning community consultants to review progress reports and engage in data analysis.

Key initiatives include a focus on bridging the mathematics gap between 8th and 9th grades, as many students struggle with the University of California A-G track during their freshman year. The district is implementing a preschool through 3rd-grade math collaboration and has introduced a universal design for learning (UDL) training for teachers to better differentiate instruction while adhering to grade-level standards.

Additionally, the district is prioritizing literacy, with efforts to ensure all students read by the end of 3rd grade. Literacy TOSA Tristan Bennett is retraining teachers on the Literably assessment, which evaluates reading fluency and comprehension. Career technical education (CTE) teachers are also aligning their courses with state standards to enhance educational pathways.

The meeting also featured a segment called \"Flash Forward,\" highlighting the achievements of Fillmore High School alumni. Jared Shefferly, a graduate of the class of 2020, shared his journey from high school to earning a degree in architectural engineering at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and starting a new job as a structural design engineer.

Student representative Presley McClain reported on recent school activities, including a successful welcome back spirit week, fall sports events, and upcoming homecoming festivities themed \"Around the World.\" The meeting concluded with a call for families to engage with the district through social media and the Parent Square app, reinforcing the community's connection to the educational initiatives underway.