GB school district works to customize learning
By: Heather Sawaski
Updated: January 22, 2013
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) - ACT scores at Green Bay High Schools are right on par with the state average and the district has seen a 7% growth in its graduation rate over the past three years. However, district leaders feel more can be done to increase student learning.
Your choice. Your path. Your tomorrow. It's a new philosophy Green Bay Superintendent Michelle Langenfeld hopes will improve student success across the district. In her first State of the District address Tuesday, Langenfeld introduced the idea of education customization.
"We've been in the process of change," Langenfeld said. "We're ramping it up, of course, because we recognize that students need change and that we can't afford to offer students the same old, same old and expect to have them engaged and connected in their learning."
Langenfeld said the district is looking to expand several programs, including K-12 International Baccalaureate, Spanish Immersion and the John Dewey Academy For Learning Charter School.
They also hope to introduce new programs, such as 4K nature-based learning, NWTC partnerships for middle-school students on manufacturing and an online charter school for 9th and 10th graders.
"We are also affording students multiple avenues in choice," said Langenfeld. "So they have a path that they can be successful in. Not all students can be successful in traditional school settings."
According to Langenfeld, 20% of incoming kindergarteners last year could not recognize numbers and letters or hold a pencil properly.
District leaders are hoping this new approach to learning, as well as parental involvement, will help bridge the achievement gap, raise test scores, and improve graduation rates.
"It doesn't cost more, it's thinking differently," added Langenfeld.
District leaders are looking for input. They're holding two sessions for families later this month:
Thursday, January 24th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at East High School, 1415 E. Walnut Street.
Saturday, January 26th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at West High School, 966 Shawano Avenue.
