The schools superintendent is launching a new website describing a “systemic vision for teaching and learning,” as described at the Board of Education’s meeting on February 19.

While the website was not live, Superintendent of Schools Dr Lorrie Rodrigue browsed each page, describing the purpose and reason behind each decision, using the screen in Newtown Municipal Center’s Council Chambers.

“Rather than just sending out a communication or speaking as we are going through the budget process, I really wanted to be able to add to this and to be able to share this with families at any time,” said Dr Rodrigue.

Most of the information is not new, she explained, and she wanted the “message” to be clear for those following the district’s plans for improvement.

“Some of the things I think we should highlight again and again is the high expectations, the quality education, the family as being critically important as an influence, [and] continuous improvement requiring courage,” Dr Rodrigue said.

The website will include a “vision into action” section. The proposed new position for a Director of Teaching and Learning is described there, according to Dr Rodrigue’s presentation.

“We do have an outstanding... and highly qualified team of capable educators here,” said Dr Rodrigue, adding that the district also has increased standards, like mandated changes to science standards, standardized testing, and graduation requirements.

Regarding the proposed new position, Dr Rodrigue said it is difficult to say any one position in the school district would be the “answer to our prayers when it comes to any kind of improvement.”

“It’s a collaborative effort on all parts: Just as we hire qualified teachers, just as we hire and hope to hire qualified principals, as we look at a new assistant superintendent and beyond, all of this is a team effort,” said Dr Rodrigue.

The Director of Teaching and Learning would help to “strengthen our team,” Dr Rodrigue shared.

“It’s really a position that I think we have long awaited, I think for many years, here in Newtown,” she said.

As outlined in Dr Rodrigue’s January 15 presentation on the 2019-20 proposed school budget, the Director of Teaching and Learning position was requested for $76,000, assuming the position would begin later in the year. The Board of Education then voted at its meeting on February 5 to move up the start of the position to earlier in the year for an additional $50,966.

Another section of the website will highlight student outcomes, with three focuses on consistency, quality control, and coherence, according to the February 19 presentation.

“If you ask me what is most important right now when we talk about systemic improvement, those are the three most important areas,” Dr Rodrigue explained. “Are we consistent? Is there vertical alignment? How do we know that? What kinds of accountability or control measures do we have in place? And, finally, do we have coherence?”

Dr Rodrigue said it should be clear what the district does well and what can be improved.

Reflecting that she has seen inaccurate information posted on social media, Dr Rodrigue said one section of her website offers clarification on “what data actually means.” The website will also share how teachers evaluate data and learn information about students. The website also shares “areas to celebrate” and shares areas that need improvement.

Board members expressed support for the website.

“I think this is fantastic,” said board Vice Chair Rebekah Harriman-Stites, asking when the website will be available for the public.

Board member John Vouros emphasized he feels the website and Dr Rodrigue’s presentation of it should be shared with the Legislative Council as the budget process continues.

A link to the website was shared with district parents and staff the evening of February 20. According to Dr Rodrigue, it will be available off of the district’s website, newtown.k12.ct.us, and it is available at sites.google.com/newtown.k12.ct.us/teaching-and-learning-vision/home.