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District outlines 21st Century ED rollout and HBCU tour; aims to certify teachers, pilot AI pedagogy
Summary
Board heard plans for 21st Century ED phases including teacher certification through a Howard University partnership, March and June professional development, and an HBCU college-tour itinerary for students; trustees discussed funding, teacher access and potential summer pilots.
Teaching-and-learning leaders described steps to implement a multi-year 21st Century ED partnership and presented the annual HBCU (Historically Black College and University) student tour.
Mr Jennings and Miss Gunter reviewed the HBCU tour itinerary—several campuses in a chosen region, student testimonials, on-campus visits and cultural excursions—emphasizing that many district students would otherwise lack an HBCU experience. Mr Jennings said the trip helps students see college possibilities they had not previously considered.
On curriculum and professional development, district leaders described a phased rollout of the 21st Century ED program. The district completed an initial in-person impact visit and culture walks, will host a teacher-focused professional-development day in March and an intensive two-day certification workshop in June that is described as the start of a seven-session train-the-trainer sequence to be completed next summer. The program will produce a library of intervention materials and intends to integrate an AI pedagogy tool into classroom instruction.
Why it matters: Trustees said expanding college access and equipping teachers with new instructional tools could affect student outcomes across the district. Members asked for more teacher access and suggested piloting the program in summer school; administrators said teachers will get hands-on time beginning March 28 and that the district can certify up to 50 staff members during the summer workshop.
Quotations: A district speaker said the program plans to "have up to 50 people that are certified," describing the initial capacity goal for teacher certification.
Funding and logistics: Trustees discussed the per-student tour fee (about $350) and suggested exploring foundation or donor support to offset costs for families. Administrators said colleges frequently provide application packets and admissions guidance on-site and that students have sometimes completed applications and been accepted while on the tour.
Ending: Board members expressed support and gratitude for the programs; administrators will return with implementation timelines and registration/payment details for the HBCU tour and a schedule for teacher training sessions.
