PD, Curriculum Enhancements, and Community Engagement

Dover School District Update: Professional Development, Curriculum Enhancements, and Community Engagement

The March 15, 2022, Dover School District meeting highlighted recent progress in professional learning, curriculum development, survey initiatives, and community engagement. The district continues to focus on fostering an equitable and supportive learning environment while addressing key challenges and opportunities.

Professional Development for Teachers and Staff

The district recently held two professional development days in late February and early March, featuring meaningful and diverse learning opportunities:

• Secondary Staff Training:

Partnering with NYU, middle and high school educators delved into culturally responsive and sustaining education. Sessions included:

• Activities focused on privilege and racial autobiographies.

• Analysis of staff and student demographic data.

• Open discussions on concepts like ethnicity, race, and cultural dominance.

This self-reflective approach aims to build understanding and create equitable learning environments.

• Elementary Staff Training:

Teachers engaged in workshops on:

• Dual language programs.

• i-Ready diagnostic data.

• Guided reading strategies.

• STEMscopes curriculum.

• Responsive classroom practices.

These sessions reflect the district’s commitment to professional growth and enhancing teaching practices across all grade levels.

Culture and Climate Survey Progress

The district has made significant strides in developing surveys to gather input from staff, parents, and students about the district’s culture and climate:

• Staff Survey:

With input from the Staff Advisory Committee, the survey was launched during the March professional development day, ensuring teachers had dedicated time to respond. Special thanks were extended to the committee members for their efforts in shaping the survey.

• Parent and Student Surveys:

Parents provided feedback on survey content, with responses due in mid-March. The student survey is also in development, with input being gathered from students to ensure relevance and inclusivity.

These surveys will provide valuable data for improvement, with results analyzed in partnership with NYU.

Curriculum Development and Atlas Implementation

The district continues to enhance curriculum offerings, driven by new state standards and the implementation of the Atlas curriculum platform. Key updates include:

• Atlas Platform:

Teachers can now interact with live documents, allowing for collaboration, updates, and customization to meet classroom needs. This modern approach supports dynamic and creative lesson planning.

• Alignment with Standards:

The district ensures curricula meet state standards while striving to exceed the minimum requirements by incorporating creative projects, cross-curricular activities, and innovative assessments.

The process of developing curriculum amidst tight timelines and evolving standards highlights the dedication of Dover’s educators.

Community Engagement and Read Across America

The district celebrated Read Across America at North Dover, with guest readers, including district staff, visiting classrooms. Highlights included:

• Spirit socks and a Cat in the Hat guide for visitors.

• Creative door-decorating contests, with themes ranging from QR codes to Starbucks cafés.

• A focus on reconnecting with students and celebrating literacy in a fun and engaging way.

These events underscore the district’s commitment to fostering a sense of community and joy in learning.

Addressing SAT Prep and Title I Funding Challenges

The district addressed concerns about SAT prep programs, which were impacted by changes in Title I funding due to COVID-19. While the program has been scaled back, efforts are underway to strengthen core instruction and explore strategies for improving test readiness.

Looking Ahead

The Dover School District remains committed to professional growth, curriculum innovation, and engaging all stakeholders in meaningful ways. As survey data is collected and analyzed, and curriculum initiatives progress, the district continues to prioritize equity, inclusion, and academic excellence.