Staff members at the Merrill Area Public Schools (MAPS) are placing a greater focus on sharing individual progress with students as a result of a recent survey.The survey, conducted in spring 2011 and analyzed by the district's Shared Leadership Team, showed that teachers needed to increase the frequency in which they discussed progress with their students. This need has been compounded by recent research indicating that providing more frequent and positive feedback helps motivate students for ongoing success.
"As a school district, we want to make sure we are offering the best learning environments possible for students to truly learn and grow as individuals," said members of the Shared Leadership Team. "As a result of this survey, we have encouraged our teachers and other staff members to take more time to focus on students' progress at an individual level."
In response to the survey, the district is implementing a number of strategies that will be incorporated into each school's building site plan. These include establishing goal development processes with students, tracking individual progress through data folders, conducting student-led conferencing with teachers and parents and participating in article and book studies related to providing effective feedback.
In addition, the district has also recognized the need for enhanced levels of respect within school settings. Staff members are implementing action plans related to this issue as well.
"At MAPS, we are always interested in how we can improve and enhance the educational experience for all of our students," said Team members. "We are taking action on these issues with that goal in mind, and making sure that positive feedback and respect are a part of each and every school day."
