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New Anchorage School District superintendent Jim Browder hopes the goals he's setting of 90 percent proficiency in reading writing and math, will be met this year. Browder says he's been outlining this plan by speaking with teachers and staff.
Browder says, "No matter what I say or do teachers are the key to any improvement inside any district in America. It's no different here, we have great teachers and I'm excited about their enthusiasm."
Someone who knows the teachers enthusiasm level well is Anchorage Education Association President Andy Hollemen. He says Jim Browder’s plan is bold.
Holleman says, "We want teachers to continue to do things that have worked for them. We want that level of freedom. So far things look good. He is definitely involving teachers in the planning process, he's got his ideas of what he wants to do but he is going through to teachers to implement a lot of it and that's another thing we think looks good for the long term."
The way Browder plans to get students to such high proficiency numbers is by changing some curriculum around. He wants to drop the controversial "everyday math' program and find something new.
Browder wants to have a recommendation for a new program by December, giving both students and teachers the best resources for education.
Browder says, “What we're doing is giving them the tools they need to continue to improve the art of instruction is about the individual teachers. Never would I go there. What we do need to do is make sure they have the tools that they need. Making sure the tools are right."
Holleman says, "We're going to have to get up and go to work every day and nobody's trying to change that, but if it really is an honest effort to make the district work better that wins for everybody at the end of the day."
The entire plan Browder’s come up with will be implemented over the next 5 years. Here is a link to his 5 year plan. (PDF file)