Teachers in Lee County are utilizing new tools and methods to help educate students for the 2018-2019 school year. Curriculum maps, instructional guides and task forces are all part of the plan to ensure academic success across the district.
The ABC's of back to school in lee county are targeting attendance, behavior and classroom success. Dr. Wanda Creel, Chief Academic Officer of Lee County Schools, says the plan os meant to start students on a successful path by first making sure they show up.
“Identifying those students that are chronic absenteeism and from last year, so we can establish those relationships with them early on”, she told 4 In Your Corner.
Creel says principals and administrators have already begun forming relationships with students. During the summer, faculty would visit students personally. Dr. Creel says this initiative it should help keep children motivated to attend class ever day.
The “B” stands for behavior. Guaranteeing good behavior from students means constantly checking in, according to creel, and providing an outlet where students can work through the challenges that would prevent them from being focused on their work. Mental health is also something Lee County is focusing on this year. Counselors have been trained and teachers as well, in how to spot potentially troubling behaviors.
John Peters, assistant principal at Fort Myers Middle Academy agrees.
“It's important to stay engaged with your students all the time. It shows your students that you care”, he said.
Peters says the support students need to succeed academically shouldn't only come from school. Parents are just as important. At Fort Myers Middle Academy, he's using technology to keep kids engaged; in the classroom and at home.
“They have websites they can go on. Each of the students have their own Chromebooks.”
The Chromebooks allow students to access extra practice for academic materials at home. Technology is also being used to allow parents to check on their student's work. Peter says, he hopes using tools like websites and the Chromebooks will keep students engaged year-round.
