Teacher Programs Focus on Student Enrichment

Students change. Education expectations change. Therefore, teachers need more “tools” at their disposal, and several teachers this summer are working on just that.

At Monday’s Sidney school board meeting, Supt. Jay Ehlers updated the board of education on workshops teachers are participating in this summer. In a summary of the weekend training, Ehlers said “most of the focus is on the ‘Educator Effectiveness’ part of our ‘Strategic Plan.’” He said there are many teachers in the two-day workshop “Teach Like a Champion.” He said the workshop is a great opportunity for principals, veteran teachers and new teachers.

He said the Administrative Team is focused on “Visible

Learning,” and “Teacher Efficacy” strategies at the same time. The plan fits the District’s “Strategic Plan” and “Instructional Model.” Teachers are also studying the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS).The MTSS is about defining many processes already in place for good teaching and learning.

“This is really all kids,” Ehlers said.

He said it encourages the best way to address students who need special attention, “or it could be for a student who suddenly just started checking out.” He said it can be applied to students who are not performing as well as they have in the past.

The District is also planning a “new teachers in-service” of Aug. 6-8. The in-service is for the District to do all it can to make sure new teachers are prepared to succeed.

The board also reviewed several policies, including a copyright policy, violation of board ethics and complaint procedure. The board discussed how the violation of ethics procedure would take place. Ehlers offered an executive session could be be called. In one case, an executive session was called to protect the reputation of the board member. However, there has been a court case that ruled against holding an executive session solely to protect the reputation of the board or a board member.

The copyright compliance policy requires that all copyrighted print, audio, video software and other media may be produced only when the use of the reproduction is a fair use in compliance with the Copyright Act or when the written permission for such use by reproduction has been obtained from the copyright holder. The policy further states that any staff member who violates this policy will face disciplinary action that may include termination.

Ehlers also announced that the District is reviewing its fiber optics system. He said the District has teamed with the City of Sidney. The City began burying the lines and the school district has had service issues. He said the administration is researching a point-to-point system. However, it will cost about $52,000.

The board did have one overnight travel request, a pole vaulting camp. Ehlers also noted that all three of Sidney High School’s winter coaches were recognized as coaches of the year.