Newton TAB, Letters to the Editor, 8-26-09

My response to a TAB inquiry about my views on the NPS Strategic Plan was excerpted for a recent article. My fuller sentiments follow:

I am very pleased that Newton Public Schools is undergoing a strategic planning process. The document produced, Vision 2020, is a good starting place, although it still requires much work. At present it reads like a visioning document - for it to guide changes in our school system I believe it should read like an action plan, with specific, scientifically-based and measurable goals, responsible parties, and timelines.

From the outset, the Strategic Planning Team (SPT) made a conscious decision to focus on our school systems strengths and opportunities, while avoiding an exploration of its existing weaknesses and threats. This was done out of fear that we would get bogged down in a negative process. I understand this choice, but I respectfully disagree with it. My concern is that absent a complete, realistic picture of our present condition, we will miss key information necessary to plan effectively.

For example, serious concerns have been raised by our teacher, student, and parent communities about the quality of our Everyday and Impact Math curricula. Yet Vision 2020 only states that we will compare a specific measurement for students in classes with and without math coaches. This, instead of considering whether an entirely different curriculum might improve student math knowledge and outcomes, while completely eliminating spending on expensive math coaches. A probe of our weaknesses will likely lead directly to this kind of fruitful investigation.

I hope that the SPT can be open to developing the most accurate, honest picture of the present state of our schools. I hope that they will be unafraid to look specifically for what is broken or problematic in our system, in addition to what is strong and exceptional. If this is done, Vision 2020 may evolve into a plan that we all value.

Steve Siegel
Candidate, Ward 5 School Committee