Parent-Education Meetings on D181 Curriculum Overhaul Set

District 181 administration has scheduled two meetings for parents to learn more about the Advanced Learning Plan passed by the district's board of education last month after it dominated discussion for more than a year.

READ: D181 Board Approves Long-Term Curriculum Overhaul

Superintendent Renée Schuster released information about the meetings, which will take place March 19 at the Hinsdale Public Library (1 p.m.) and Elm School (7 p.m.) in a letter sent to media on March 4. 

Here's a slightly trimmed version of Schuster's letter:

During the Feb. 25 board of education meeting, our board approved the Advanced Learning Plan with a 6-0 vote. I am extremely pleased that we have our board’s support as we move forward, together, in providing the best possible educational experience for all District 181 students.

The Family Resource Network and Advanced Learning Task Force will host a series of meetings where you will have the opportunity to learn more about the Advanced Learning Plan and have your questions answered. The first meetings will take place on Tuesday, March 19, at the Hinsdale Public Library (1 p.m.) and at Elm School (7 p.m.).

The Advanced Learning Plan is a multi-year plan that meets the needs of advanced learners and improves the educational experience of all students. The task force has planned for a gradual change process over the next five years with opportunities to review and revise the plan along the way. The task force has also outlined the structural supports that will be needed for successful implementation. 

Professional development and teacher collaboration are two areas that will need to be strengthened within District 181. The plan calls for restructuring the use of time through a combination of common plan time, contracted professional development hours, and late start days. Late start days provide more time for teacher collaboration and job-embedded professional development, much like Hinsdale Central and many of our neighboring school systems. The Advanced Learning Plan includes eight late start days that would occur on the same days as Hinsdale Central. On these days, classes would begin later and so before-school fee-based childcare/activities would be available at our elementary and middle schools; school dismissal would be at the usual time.

The implementation of late start would be a significant change, one that requires thoughtful discussion. By giving our teachers the time they need to do this important work and professional development, we are contributing to improving educational opportunities for District 181 students. The 2013-14 school calendar has been tentatively approved with the late start days included. The Board will review the 2013-14 calendar for final approval in May. Between now and that vote, we want to spend time listening and discussing this change with our parents, staff and community. 

The Advanced Learning Plan and each of its components provides us an exciting opportunity to shape the future of District 181. I hope you will join us on March 19 at either Hinsdale Public Library (1 p.m.) or Elm School (7 p.m.). In the meantime and as always, I welcome your call or e-mail.

Sincerely,

Dr. Renée Schuster
Superintendent
(630) 887-1070
rschuster@d181.org