| Dr.
Joseph J. Roy Superintendent of Schools |
 |
Dr. Joseph
J. Roy email: jroy@beth.k12.pa.us
|
February/March, 2012 As we move through the second semester of this school year, I want to take a few minutes to reflect on the role of the BASD in preparing our students for citizenship in a diverse and technology-driven world. Our Roadmap to Educational Excellence includes a framework consisting of four core components to school improvement – core academic learning; stretch learning opportunities; student engagement; and personal skill development. This letter focuses on the importance of engagement and the development of personal skills and civic-mindedness. A fundamental purpose of public schools is to prepare students to assume dual responsibilities as informed, responsible citizens and productive workers. Often lost in the on-going debate surrounding globalization, economic competitiveness and education, however, is the public schools' other responsibility – to produce informed, responsible citizens who can forge relationships with a wide range of people for the good of their communities. In 2012 and beyond, we will see the proliferation of information technology and its impact on schools turn our attention back to the importance of educating citizens capable of forging relationships and contributing in a diverse, open and democratic society. Historically, the great value-added of schools was access to knowledge. The great value-added for public schools in the future will be as much in cultivating highly effective citizens as it is in producing highly capable workers. Our technological immersion raises worries that we have become plugged into the digital world, while becoming unplugged from the real people around us. Employers express concerns about the ability of employees to work together, to collaborate and to function on teams. Communities lament the lack of involvement in local events and the rise of a "not in my backyard" mentality over a sense of civic responsibility. As one of the few places where people of all economic, racial and cultural backgrounds come together to work and learn, one of the biggest challenges for the Bethlehem Area School District in 2012 and beyond is to increase our value-added by helping students develop their civic-mindedness. The starting point of this work is to build positive and respectful relationships with all students during the school day. The learning opportunities we provide in our schools should allow students to work toward common goals, to collaborate effectively and to work through conflict together. Conflict is inevitable in a pluralistic society – however, public schools can help students learn how to resolve issues and how to restore damaged relationships. All of these at the same time will make our students more successful in college and the world of work. Best wishes for a wonderful 2012!
Sincerely,
*This is an updated version of an essay originally appearing in The Morning Call in January 2011. |
