Please Follow us on Gab, Minds, Telegram, Rumble, Gettr, Truth Social, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram

By Dr. Rebecca Hamman

It is time to set goals for the Stamford Public Schools. The Board of Education (BOE) has the potential to increase the achievement trajectory. In visiting all 23 schools, our new superintendent is setting the tone. His assessment of how we can improve is important and we look forward to hearing his specific strategies. His highly reputable experience and track record can assist us in choosing priorities.

Here are questions to consider when setting goals for Stamford Public Schools (SPS):

How do we raise achievement?

Knowing SPS’ longitudinal achievement data has decreased since 2017 and has been relatively flat the last three years, do we need to re-look at policies that may be holding us back? Curriculums may also need to be revised. Additionally, what is happening in classroom instruction that may need tweaking?

• K-8 Reading—are all four programs being implemented with fidelity? Are these programs successful? How can remedial reading teachers, families and after-school tutorial programs continue to help make gains?

• K-8 Mathematics—what programs are being used? Why are students still struggling and what can be done to drill deeper? How can remedial mathematics teachers, families and after-school tutorial programs continue to help make gains?

• Which student groups are most at risk? Why? What can we do to help non-readers at the fifth, eighth and twelfth grade levels?

What assessments can better monitor improvement?

• Do we need to bring back old-fashioned midterms and finals in all secondary subjects (gr. 6-12)?

• Why are End-of-Year I-Ready Learning scores so high, but SBAC (Smarter Balanced Assessment) test results still well below state levels?

• What developmental proficiencies should we see at each grade in writing, reading, mathematics?

• What other states should we look to model our learning programs around? The Mississippi Miracle continues to be impressive (Mississippi - Education Scorecard). What is this state doing that we could do in Stamford?

What broader questions should we consider?

• Knowing SPS enrollment has dropped by 1,000+ and school populations are decreasing, should this Board begin to relook at closing schools?

• Since mold is still not going away, should long-term health and safety be a priority for those exposed to this ongoing issue?

• Meeting student social emotional needs is essential. Are all our Pupil Personnel Staff properly compensated? If not, why not?

• With special education, what can SPS do that can be more effective? Special education assistant principals—several with little or no teaching experience and helping classroom teachers, may not be the most effective model. Is the Oakwood program, servicing 40+ students, safe and effective? If so, where is the data? Are all IEP (Individualized Education Plan) contracts being fulfilled? If not, what are the solutions?

The Stamford BOE needs to be about helping all students and moving forward. Our kids ARE our future. If a former BOE colleague wants to denigrate a current member rather than be a problem solver, he/she is not helping as a community leader. Each BOE member should be doing his/her due diligence—not practicing partisan shenanigans which this group is well known for (policy and non-policy related).

This group of nine individuals has the power to help SPS improve. We supervise one employee, the Superintendent of Schools. We have ultimate control over all decision-making:

…State education law emphasizes local Boards have the sole and unquestionable right, responsibility and prerogative to direct the operation of the public schools in all its aspects (Chapter 170)…

When we set high standards, SPS will see results. The Board’s overall mission is to improve teaching and learning. Along with a stellar superintendent guiding us, we can set healthy goals and close the achievement gap.

SPS can be much more successful. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work BOE members. We are ready!

Dr. Rebecca Hamman currently serves as a member of the Stamford Board of Education. She is a career educator (teacher and administrator) and has worked 11 years elementary and 15 years secondary. Her comments are her own, and do not represent the official views of the Board of Education or its committees.

‘NO AD’ subscription for CDM!  Sign up here and support real investigative journalism and help save the republic!'