School District Plans Weekly Teacher Collaboration to Improve Curriculum Implementation

The MSAD52 Board of Directors meeting on March 27, 2025, highlighted a significant shift in educational strategy, focusing on enhancing teacher collaboration and curriculum implementation. Board members emphasized the necessity of providing teachers with dedicated time to assess and adapt new reading and math materials, crucial for addressing current student needs.

Carrie, a board member, stressed the importance of regular feedback from teachers regarding their use of instructional time, particularly at the elementary level. "We need to flip the switch," she stated, referring to the frustration felt by educators when test results do not reflect their hard work. The introduction of new curriculum materials is seen as a vital opportunity to reset teaching approaches and better meet the evolving needs of students.

Ashley echoed these sentiments, advocating for weekly collaboration among teachers. She argued that while one hour may seem minimal, consistent weekly meetings would allow for timely adjustments to teaching strategies, ensuring that educators can respond effectively to student challenges. "If something's not working, they need to be able to have a little bit more time to say, oh, this lesson didn't go very well," she explained.

The board also discussed the broader implications of these changes, including the goal of reducing special education referrals by ensuring all students have access to quality instruction. The conversation underscored a collective recognition of the need for a more responsive and data-driven approach to education.

In addition to curriculum discussions, the board voted on the proposed school calendar for the 2025-2026 year, with members considering adjustments to align better with regional schedules. The meeting concluded with a focus on ongoing improvements and the importance of adapting to the needs of both teachers and students in the district.