Fairfield examines components for student success
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
FAIRFIELD — Around 50 administrators and community members gathered Monday night, May 12, to discuss the definition of student success.
Communication skills, cultural competency, productivity, technological skills and problem solving were just some of the issues participants said are necessary for success in the Fairfield City School District.
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"In life, in order to succeed, you have to be a creative thinker," parent Vernon Turner said during the meeting at Fairfield High School.
He said one of his ideas to promote cultural awareness is to partner with Cincinnati Public Schools and possibly do a student exchange. Also, he said schools should look at teaching financial skills for students to apply to life.
Parent Bridget Stephenson said she was happy with the discussions.
"I wanted to see what was going on in the school system," she said. "I think it's good they're doing it. I think one of my main concerns may be addressed tonight, which is about diversity.
Communication also is something she said must be stressed to students.
"You have to first learn how to communicate to show your views and to make sure your voice is heard," she said.
Sophomore Maria Kothman, 16, said success to her consists of learning skills rather than memorizing facts.
She liked the open forum, where she could express ideas from a student perspective, she said.
"You get diverse opinions, because the school board – they don't know what it's like to be in high school," she said.
Facilitators Al Simpson and Terri Iacobucci said they would meet with district officials to compile a list of ideas and quantify them. The goal, they said, is to look at the changing world and envision what skills students will need to achieve their fullest potential.
Fairfield Board of Education President Mark Morris said it is his goal to have a vision in mind before classes start next school year.
"My goal, and what I promised ... we will not open the doors to students next fall without a definition of student success," said Morris. "This is a process. There isn't an idea much bigger than this."
