News from the Superintendent: September 22, 2008

September 21, 2008

Dear APS Community Member,

I’ve been doing my own informal research on bringing rigor, relevance and relationships to the classroom. During my travels, I’ve asked groups of high school students how many of their six or seven classes they find relevant. Time after time, they say two.

On the flip side I’ve also visited many classrooms, and I’m seeing a conscious effort by teachers to enhance course material with tangible, everyday examples students can relate to, which is good news. However, the use of relevant examples needs to be more widespread. So, how do we make education more engaging to schools?

Our kids don’t live in a sit and get world. They live in an interactive world where, with the push of a button, they get immediate feedback. Many teachers realize this. Aligning the curriculum is one step toward helping to spread the success of these teachers throughout our schools. While we have many highly qualified teachers, we also have teachers who could use support. Rookies need mentoring and some veterans could use updated training and a fresh approach.

We’re not trying to take away creativity from teachers, but just like so many other professions, we need to have a road map. Branch managers at banks run their own show, but customers can expect certain things at each branch of the same bank, like the same forms, same operating procedures and similar philosophies. It’s like having a template, which is what schools need.

Partnerships with the community require a similar approach. Each one is unique, but each partner has similar expectations of APS and I’ve tried to give them the same message about what we’re trying to accomplish. I meet regularly with my Superintendent’s Business Advisory Council, made up of local business leaders who have offered their expertise on a variety of education-related issues. I have also met with community leaders and organizations who have given me a great deal of background on Albuquerque.

The best decisions are made when we know the territory. There is a lot to learn about this community and my days are packed while I’m still in the learning process. It’s hectic, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I can’t believe the first six weeks of school is over, and that it’s already time for parents to start receiving report cards.

I wanted to let you know that I appreciate the thoughtful comments you continue to send to me. While I can’t promise a personal reply to each one, your suggestions and support are invaluable.

Have a great week.

Sincerely,

Winston Brooks, Superintendent
Albuquerque Public Schools