New MVUSD Strategic Plan Emphasizes Common Assessments and Standards

While Moreno Valley Unified’s strategic planning team agreed that one size cannot fit all when it comes to teaching and learning, it also recommitted the school district to align its assessment practices and academic goals with the California Common Core State Standards. “In other words,” explained School Board member Gary Baugh, “we want to take advantage of the amazing creative talent of teachers and allow them to use their unique skills to bring students along a variety of academic paths to a common destination. Help students master those state standards in whatever way works best.” Baugh added that the District’s new Strategic Plan recognizes teachers as skilled professionals who collaborate with each other and with community members to provide students with the best, most relevant education. “The need for greater community involvement at our schools was something we agreed on when we began the strategic planning process a year ago,” Baugh said. “Our community partners have so much to offer when it comes to supporting student success. If we’re all rowing the same boat in the same direction, then we’re going to get to where we want to go much faster.” The community-inclusive strategic planning team includes students, parents, teachers, classified district staff, representatives of the local business community, faith communities, colleges, and other community stakeholders, along with several School Board members and MVUSD administrators. The team began meeting monthly in October 2013, and continues to work to publicize the plan within the school district and to the larger community. The entire new Strategic Plan can be viewed online at www.mvusd.net/strategic.