Curriculum, Professional Development, and Program Highlights

Curriculum, Professional Development, and Program Highlights

The September 21, 2021, Dover School District meeting provided updates on curriculum revisions, professional development, and innovative programs, as well as efforts to overcome challenges posed by COVID-19. These initiatives reflect the district’s commitment to academic excellence and continuous growth.

Curriculum Revisions and Professional Development

The district is in the process of updating curriculums to meet new standards set by the Department of Education. This extensive project will continue throughout the year. Highlights include:

• Curriculum Updates: Supervisors and curriculum writers are working diligently within the Atlas platform to ensure robust and comprehensive revisions.

• Professional Development Contracts: Approval was granted for contracts with:

• Literacy consultants

• Apple Professional Development

• The Anne Rabinowitz Center for phonics training

These training initiatives aim to enhance instructional practices and provide ongoing support for staff. Updates on the progress of these programs will be shared in future board meetings.

Robotics Program Expansion

The district’s Robotics Program continues to thrive, thanks to the efforts of Mr. Jones, Mr. Hill, Ms. Brooks, and their students. Recent achievements include:

• Acceptance of grants from Picatinny Arsenal, Bayer Fund, Department of Defense, and First Robotics.

• Approval for additional grant applications to further support the program.

These resources enable students to apply their knowledge of technology, math, critical thinking, and collaboration in real-world scenarios, fostering innovation and teamwork.

Dual Language Program and Literacy Initiatives

The district’s Dual Language Program officially launched this month, with Dr. Willem and her team conducting classroom visits and observations. Key highlights include:

• Focus on ensuring fidelity to the target language in kindergarten classrooms.

• Evidence of effective implementation of dual language theories into classroom practice.

In addition, literacy consultants Melanie Brown and Kimberly Fox have begun training staff on Fountas and Pinnell reading assessments. This data will help identify students in need of additional support. Upcoming training sessions will focus on writing workshops for elementary staff, providing educators with tools to enhance literacy instruction throughout the year.

Acknowledging Challenges and Staff Dedication

The district acknowledged the challenges posed by COVID-19, including delays in technology and curriculum materials due to supply chain issues. Despite these obstacles, administrators, teachers, and support staff have worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth start to the school year.

Their dedication and persistence were commended, highlighting the district’s commitment to supporting students and overcoming challenges together.

Looking Ahead

With ongoing curriculum updates, expanded professional development, and thriving programs like robotics and dual language, the Dover School District continues to prioritize innovation and excellence. These efforts, coupled with the hard work of staff and administrators, position the district for a successful 2021-2022 school year.