Strengthening ELL Programs, Engaging Families, and Enhancing Staff Feedback February 15, 2022

Dover School District Update: Strengthening ELL Programs, Engaging Families, and Enhancing Staff Feedback

The February 15, 2022, Dover School District meeting highlighted progress on key initiatives, including the approval of the ELL three-year plan, updates on course offerings, and efforts to build an equitable parent community. These initiatives reflect the district’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity, academic excellence, and collaboration.

ELL Three-Year Plan

The district proudly presented its first-ever ELL (English Language Learners) Three-Year Plan, which replaces the previous bilingual plan that districts completed annually. This comprehensive plan, led by Ms. Claudia Heisterman, the bilingual ESL and world language supervisor, was developed with input from a dedicated committee including:

• Damian Irizarry

• Marie Hardenberg

• Rich Simonak

• Michael Saulnier

• Maria Pekovski

The plan focuses on strengthening the district’s ELL programs and better supporting staff and students. Key next steps include:

• Reviewing and improving scheduling for ELL students.

• Securing bilingual resources.

• Providing teachers with access to WIDA scores via Genesis, enhancing data-driven instruction.

The district expressed gratitude to the committee for their meticulous efforts in completing the 95-question plan and laying the groundwork for future improvements.

Course Adjustments in Fine and Performing Arts

On the agenda was the abolishment of several courses from the Fine and Performing Arts (FAPA) department:

• FAPA English 3

• FAPA World History and Cultures

• Marketing Design and Print Media

The changes are part of a district-wide effort to streamline course offerings and address redundancies between the Fine and Performing Arts and 21st Century Skills departments. As the FAPA program is phased out, these adjustments reflect the district’s focus on aligning resources with current academic and career pathways.

Staff Advisory Committee and Climate Survey

The Dover Staff Advisory Committee has been actively collaborating to develop staff and teacher surveys. This diverse group includes:

• Teachers with varying years of experience.

• Paraprofessionals.

• Secretaries.

• Administrators.

• Association leadership.

The committee identified six core question banks for the survey and added custom questions to gather valuable context from respondents. The survey will launch during the March in-service day, allowing staff dedicated time to provide feedback. The insights from these surveys will guide future district initiatives and improvements.

Parent Workshop Series: Building an Equitable Community

The district is launching a new parent workshop series in collaboration with NYU, titled Together We Can. The first workshop, Building an Equitable and Powerful Parent Community in Dover Public Schools, will take place on February 24 via Zoom. The series aims to:

• Foster discussions about equity and anti-racism.

• Engage families in shaping a strong, inclusive parent community.

• Create a shared vision for equity in Dover Public Schools.

Parents are encouraged to participate in this meaningful dialogue to strengthen the district’s connection with its families.

Acknowledging Dedication to Clubs and Extracurricular Activities

The district also recognized the teachers who facilitate after-school clubs and extracurricular activities, emphasizing the value these programs bring to students’ educational experiences. These opportunities enrich students’ days and help foster a well-rounded education.

Looking Ahead

The Dover School District continues to focus on inclusivity, collaboration, and academic innovation. From strengthening ELL programs and gathering meaningful staff feedback to engaging parents in equity-driven initiatives, the district is building a foundation for lasting success.