State Initiative Is One of Collaboration
The Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties is a cooperative of 11 school districts created by the Nebraska Legislature in 2009 to enhance the education of disadvantaged children in the metro area. Based on socioeconomic status (not race or ethnicity), the Learning Community focuses on themed schools, similar to magnet schools, throughout the community. The state has committed more than $25 million to this initiative concentrated on improving student accomplishments and achieving socioeconomic integration across all participating districts. In addition, the Learning Community benefits from collaboration with private sector and nonprofit partners that bring additional resources and expertise to addressing educational needs.
Top Marks for Metro School Districts
Like the weather in Nebraska, schools in Greater Omaha are quick to change in exciting ways. Urban, suburban and rural school districts continually improve and upgrade with new and enthusiastic leadership, improved and enlarged facilities, innovative curriculums and advanced technologies that put learning on a fast track. Here’s a sampling of happenings in the 20122013 school year.
P U B LIC SCH OO LS Bellevue Public Schools The district’s 20 elementary, middle and high schools switched from Terra Nova standardized testing to the adaptive Measures of Academic Progress testing. Response to Intervention (RTI) is in place too. Bennington Go, team! Bennington Junior-Senior High is cheering a 650-seat auditorium, expanded seating at the football stadium and new lights at the softball field. French and American history found their way onto the Advanced Placement list.
Blair Community Schools iPads for students in seven schools! And staff development for teachers using iPads in their classrooms. Concordia Junior/Senior High School What do you get for $6.9 million? A new gym, six new classrooms, an expanded commons/cafeteria area and a parking area – all by July 2013. Douglas County West Community Schools In Valley, iPads for seniors and new computers for the elementary computer lab created a buzz. At the high school? A new business curriculum.
SERVING THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF ALL LEARNERS www.westside66.org
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