Excellence and Equity

Hallmarks Of Excellence
November 13, 2009

At the November 13th Board Retreat, the commissioners passed a resolution re-affirming these "Hallmarks of Excellence" as a cornerstone of the vision for the future of Burlington Schools.

Rigorous academics
Differentiated instruction
Enriched arts, math and sciences, and wellness experiences
Education for a sustainable future
21st century learning: technology-infused, project-based, real-world relevance
Promoting diversity and cultural competence
Community partnerships

2009-2010 Update On Our Vision

The task ahead of us is clear -- preparing every one of Burlington's kids for their future. The work we do with our youth in and out of our schools becomes the engine that drives the economic, cultural and social prosperity of our city.

To meet our goals, we continue to implement our Excellence and Equity plans. With your help, in each of our schools, we are working toward the shared vision that we developed over the last 3 years. Our vision includes strong and successful collaboration among our teachers, staff, community partners, and parents. Our cultural and economic diversity continues to be one of our strengths, as our students learn in a rich environment that reflects our increasingly global society and workplace.

Expanding partnerships is a critical element of our vision. Our community partners play a key role in all of our schools. Working with our local colleges -- St. Michaels College, Champlain College, CCV, the University of Vermont along with the Flynn Theater, Burlington City Arts, Very Merry Theater, Vermont Youth Orchestra, Shelburne Farms, City Market, the Intervale, Echo Center, among many other partners -- ensures new opportunities for our students that help prepare them for the career opportunities of the 21st century.

Working Toward Our Vision

Based on our district-wide vision adopted by the Board in July, the board identified the following goals for our schools:

  • Rigorous Academics
  • Demographic balance for a healthy learning & teaching environment
  • Differentiated Instruction (challenging each child at their level)
  • Hands-on Learning/Real-World Relevance
  • Enriched Arts, Math, Science
  • Global Awareness/Welcoming Diversity
  • Education for Sustainability
  • Technology Integration
  • Community Partnerships/Learning in the Community
  • Increasing Parent Involvement and Student Engagement

    • Throughout the year, we reached out to teachers to review these goals, get feedback on priorities, and begin to plan how best to achieve our vision. We are working to develop our baseline - to understand how well we are doing in each of these areas. Next fall, each school principal will provide a report to the board that summarizes the school's work in each of these areas, and outlines what we need to do to move forward.

    Parent Update On Excellence & Equity
    November 29, 2008

    We have been working on many fronts to continue to increase excellence and equity in all Burlington Schools. Your input and involvement is of great importance as we continue to improve our schools and opportunities for all of our students.Read More

    Burlington Schools Plan For The Future

    The Future is Now: Burlington Schools' Vision for the 21st Century

    Approved by the Board of School Commissioners July 15, 2008

    Areas of Focus

    Focus for the 21st Century Education initiative is centered on three primary areas:

    21st Century Learning
    Developing an education curriculum, structure and model that drives excellence in core subjects (reading, writing, math, science) and critical skills to prepare students to excel in 21st Century society, featuring:

    • Hands-on, real-life projects that strengthen collaboration and organizational skills
    • Global awareness and leadership skills
    • Curriculum enhancements in sustainability and arts to foster creativity and critical thinking
    • Information, economic, and technology literacy

    21st Century Infrastructure
    Developing facilities and physical resources conducive to a 21st Century learning environment encompassing:

    • Improved energy efficiency and cost-savings
    • Improved safety and addressing deferred maintenance issues
    • Technology & flexible learning spaces that support 21st century instruction
    • Increased handicap accessibility

    21st Century Equity
    With more than 40 different nationalities represented, Burlington schools reflect the diversity of 21st Century society more effectively than any community in the state. We are uniquely positioned to attain true equity for all our students in a model system that provides:

    • A community that values and respects all cultures, families, and students
    • Socio-economic balance in all Burlington classrooms
    • Equal access to learning opportunities for all Burlington students
    • Learning situations that prepare students for multi-cultural environments

    Education in the 21st Century: The Case for Change

    Burlington schools are at a crossroads. Like most school districts throughout the United States Burlington schools face a new reality rooted in factors beyond our control. Since our school system was developed and designed, how we conduct business, how we communicate, who we interact with, how we live - has all changed. Fifty years ago globalization was in its infancy. Few communities were multicultural. People expected to have one job throughout their working years. Natural resources seemed abundant and inexpensive. Technology did not impact our daily lives - there were no computers, internet or mobile devices. Fifty years ago, ours was a different world. Society has evolved significantly since then, and there is every reason to believe this evolution will continue.

    The world has changed in many ways and our education system needs to change with it. Preparing our students to engage and excel in today's world is a materially different undertaking than it was 50 years ago. The tools they will use, the strategies they will employ, the skill sets they will require have all shifted dramatically. The education they receive needs to be adapted accordingly. Every one of our children must have equal opportunities to develop their abilities and contribute in the 21st Century.

    Burlington's school system was largely developed in the industrial age to fit requirements of the day. Our schools have served this community well over the century, but the reality is that they are no longer tooled to meet new demands of the 21st Century. It is true that we have numerous innovative, nationally recognized programs that deliver leading-edge education, but these are typically the work of dedicated teachers finding ways to create excellence despite outdated resources. How much more could we be doing with an education system designed specifically to fit today's environment?

    The workplace, government, the academic community, individuals - are all adapting. Education must adapt as well. Communities across the nation are beginning the process of change, and Burlington is no different. We must address the challenges we face now, repair our inefficient buildings, enhance our curriculum to meet today's demands, and ensure that every child has equal access. Curriculum, infrastructure and delivery mechanisms in our school system need refitting to embrace 21st Century instruction and true equity for all students. The process is starting in 2008.

    Moving Forward in Burlington

    The Burlington School Board has directed the District administration to proceed with a comprehensive assessment and visioning process to determine how Burlington schools can best evolve to a 21st Century learning environment. That visioning process is now underway, utilizing findings from research and community conversations conducted over the past three years and gathering fresh inputs from a range of community members, stakeholders and professional resources. The visioning process includes a comprehensive facilities audit now being conducted by Burlington architect Colin Lindbergh, working collaboratively with community representatives, administrators, and Board commissioners to make recommendations for Board decisions. The work of the visioning and assessment will be submitted to the School Board with recommendations for their consideration and action in late August 2008. Presentation of findings and recommendations will be presented to the public in early Fall 2008.

    Our Schools, Our Future

    Sept. 2, 2008

    On August 30, the school board passed 2 important resolutions that define the future of our schools. The Board passed a resolution to move forward with 2 magnet schools and a resolution to request the city council to bring a ballot item for voters to consider a 10-year, phased in renovation and upgrade plan for $226 million.

    Our community has asked for a comprehensive plan, not a piece meal plan and the master plan presented tonight provides a thoughtful long-term plan. Community members, parents, teachers and students have told us that the plan must include, our buildings, achieve equity, and an educational curriculum that supports creativity and hands-on real world learning. For the past decade we have consistently been the lowest spending district in the county. What we spend on our schools does not mirror our values or reflect our commitment to the children of this community. The Board determined it was time to bring forward a comprehensive 10-year plan that reflects Burlington residents expressed values.

    This 10-year plan aligns our community values, commitment to our children and investment in Burlington's future.

    For more information, please go to www.bsdplan.com

    July 31, 2008

    Important Article Demonstrates Effectiveness of Socio-Economic Integration, and Supports Burlington School District Plans for Equity and Excellence.

    NY Times Magazine July 20, 2008
    The Next Kind of Integration
    By Emily Bazelon
    July 20, 2008
    In response to the courts, class is replacing race as the primary basis for desegregating schools. It's a mix that just might work.Read More