On Sunday, the Des Moines Education Association, with support from the National Education Association (Teacher’s union) hosted a community forum to discuss how to improve student achievement and eventual outcomes in Des Moines Schools. Des Moines Register Article here.
Presentations were given by Matt Smith, Chief of Schools, Andrew Rasmussen DMEA president, Ruth Ann Gaines, State Representative, and Marvin De Jear, Evelyn Davis Center. Presentations prepped the audience for small group discussions by discussing teacher engagement within the community, high standards for excellence outside of test scores, and the importance of community organizations and their role in helping us achieve better outcomes for students and residents.
Three topics were discussed in small groups. First, the need to hold persons accountable for high standards of achievement and demand excellence in order to improve student achievement. Second, the need to engage parents and the community to improve student outcomes. And third, the need to provide a safe and respectful environment to students and teachers. Small groups were asked to prioritize what they believed to be the biggest challenge of the three needs above and to provide recommended actions. The goal of these conversations is to turn the concerns into action and make a difference for our kids.
It was very nice to see a forum with attendees from the district administration, the teachers organization, and community leaders. There were close to 50 or so members of the community which by past standards is a good turn out. It was nice to see three of the four newly elected school board members in attendance including Cindy Elsbernd, Dionna Langford, and Natasha Newcomb. And I must say I feel slightly vindicated that much of the conversation aligned with my campaign platform to ask for strategic direction, so we can engage parents and the broader community to improve our schools.
Some important topics were discussed. For teachers to actively engage with parents, there needs to be trust based on effective communication. For this to be possible, teachers must understand the needs to the whole children, their environment, their culture, and the community from where they come. The district is rigorously pursuing improved cultural competency and communication skills within teachers, with the express goal of enabling better understanding and communication between teachers and the communities they serve.
For us to successfully engage parents, we need to improve how and when we communicate with parents and families. Previous ways of communicating, such as handouts, and flyers, and e-mails, and billboards, just don’t seem to be getting through. I added to our group that in some of my discussions, I’ve learned that parents are overwhelmed with information, that its too much. Considering that parents are working more than ever, we need to be judicious with our communication to parents. Parents and teachers need to establish guidelines and expectations between each other about how and when they can work together, so that when either side reaches out, the other side knows its important and they need to pay attention.
Providing a safe environment discussions centered around the need for consistent enforcement of rules that prevent bullying or harming children, disciplinary action and resolution that doesn’t criminalize children, and accountability for ensuring schools are conducive to learning.
I’m looking forward to continued discussions. These are important issues and I truly believe we have the resources in the community to help us further these goals.
Education in Des Moines 