Schools should be unified in their goals

What are we? A unified school district or a district of un-unified schools?

The school board has set forth the mission, vision and goal focus of the Federal Way Public Schools. The policy has been communicated to the community, parents, students and teachers.

Further, it has been sent to the State Office of Public Instruction. I should hope that all the 33 schools are striving to fulfill the stated policy of the district. We should not be wandering off in 33 different directions.

Under the district system of site-based education, each school is an island to itself. Their main business is curriculum, teaching and learning within district policies and procedures.

The board has approved use of many nationally recognized instruction programs in our schools. The board also approves the plan for middle schools.

Each school submits an annual report to the board which includes performance factors and recommendations. The school leadership teams have input to this report.

The current national emphasis on academic achievement is to improve a curriculum, teaching and learning. Accountability is directed to academics. All students have an “opportunity” to learn and improve their life accordingly.

Lofty vision statements have been in existence for years while academic results declined drastically. Also, goals of student expectations and codes of conduct are prevalent.

The system is working. Both sides have acted and reacted appropriately. The final decision rests with the school board. More community input is desired by the district and is needed from the public.

John C. Hoskinson

Federal Way

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