Response from Nicki Vander Meulen
(1) Do you think Advanced Learning is adequately included in the district priorities detailed in the Strategic Framework and School Improvement Plan processes?
If so, where do you see it?
If not, why isn’t it included?
No. I don't feel that advanced learning is adequately included in MMSD current priorities. I know that by not focusing on these learners MMSD is doing a huge disservice to these students. I think that the advanced learners are not spelled out in the Strategic Framework and School Improvement Plan because people forget that advanced students need to be adequately challenged.
(2) How should the district invest time and resources to meet the instructional needs of students who could benefit from challenge above grade level standards while continuing the critical work of helping other students reach grade level proficiency? Will you make this a priority for our district if elected?
I feel that there needs to be more discussion on how we teach our best and brightest students. All children deserve a quality public education regardless of their classification. The District needs to focus on whether students are being adequately challenged. Also the District must focus on making advanced learning opportunities more diverse. One way to do this is by publicizing the advanced learning program to any student who shows high academic achievement. As a student who was both gifted and disabled I plan to make the Advanced Learning Program a priority if elected.
(1) Do you think Advanced Learning is adequately included in the district priorities detailed in the Strategic Framework and School Improvement Plan processes?
If so, where do you see it?
If not, why isn’t it included?
No. I don't feel that advanced learning is adequately included in MMSD current priorities. I know that by not focusing on these learners MMSD is doing a huge disservice to these students. I think that the advanced learners are not spelled out in the Strategic Framework and School Improvement Plan because people forget that advanced students need to be adequately challenged.
(2) How should the district invest time and resources to meet the instructional needs of students who could benefit from challenge above grade level standards while continuing the critical work of helping other students reach grade level proficiency? Will you make this a priority for our district if elected?
I feel that there needs to be more discussion on how we teach our best and brightest students. All children deserve a quality public education regardless of their classification. The District needs to focus on whether students are being adequately challenged. Also the District must focus on making advanced learning opportunities more diverse. One way to do this is by publicizing the advanced learning program to any student who shows high academic achievement. As a student who was both gifted and disabled I plan to make the Advanced Learning Program a priority if elected.