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Eugene School District 4J
George H. Russell, Superintendent
Introduction
What capacities and structures must schools and communities possess in the 21st century if they are to ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn what they need to know and be able to do?
Our students already live in a world that is significantly different from the one in which most of us grew up. In the 21st century they will be living in a world that is even more global and more technologically oriented, and in a society that is much more knowledge-based. This changing environment will impact our community and our schools culturally, economically, and politically, and this, in turn, will impact how as a school system we prepare tomorrow’s students.
Today’s schools are confronted with many challenges and a myriad of issues, including:
- learning readiness
- national and state standards
- expanded early childhood programs
- dropout prevention and retention
- school safety
- improved science and math education
- providing a comprehensive instructional program
- parenting education
- school reform and restructuring
- cultural diversity
- IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
- extended learning time
- year round schools
- educational technology
- school choice and charter schools
- teacher supply and demand
- instructional leadership
Tied closely to the question of what instructional programs and services to offer in the next century, is the one of determining the facilities and infrastructure that will be necessary to provide a quality and responsive instructional program. How as a school system and community we deal with these issues in the 21st century may well determine our effectiveness as a school district and our viability as a community.
Therefore, I am proposing that District 4J conduct a conversation with our community that will help us develop a shared vision for education in Eugene. This process will be system-wide and focus on instruction, school choice, technology, community involvement, and facilities. The process, which is critical to the long-term health of the school district, is described below.
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