Education Development Group - May 19

A City That Works - May 19, 2008
Education Discussion Group at The High School of the Future

What does this goal mean to you?

• Everyone, of any age, will have access to a good quality education, no matter where they are in life, even if they were unable to graduate the first time around.

• Level of literacy among the citizenry would be increased.  All would be able to read and write.  Technology added as the “4th basic” .

• All children will come to schools with good nutrition.  Citywide there would be effort to improve nutrition.

• After-school programs would have a strong academic emphasis.

• There would be constructive school-parent relations within a culture of respect.

• There is great exposure to the arts and culture of the city, region, state, world.

• There is a safe and secure environment in which to grow.

Performance measures (What success would look like)

• High school diploma will guarantee that a graduate can read at the 10th grade level.  For students that are not able to finish high school, there will be easy access into adult education programs.  Plan to reconnect drop-outs to GED or other secondary programs.  Coordinate various programs through a 311-type service. Provide a citywide directory. 

• Important of literacy becomes message from Mayor’s Office.  Advertisement campaign to promote literacy.  Reinstitute or reinvigorate Mayor’s Commission on Literacy.   Literacy includes technology literacy.  Focus included senior citizens (particularly re. technology literacy).

• Refocus emphasis on healthy eating habits, especially related to pre-school children.  Public Service Announcements targeting necessity for exercise and good nutrition.  Pass city ordinance (as in other big cities) requiring labeling nutritional information for fast food.  Coordinate with hospitals - for every family with newborns, provide nutritional information re. healthy eating.  Give certificates for fresh foods that can be redeemed at grocery stores, markets. 

Customer-service standards

• The city accepts responsibility as a broker/clearinghouse for information to assist drop-outs reconnect with eduation. There will be a personal, one-on-one, real-time connection with resources. Information will include where to find GED or other literacy supports.