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Whitko looks to build business, industry partnerships |
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Tuesday, September 29 2009 |
School part of orthopedic industry's BioCrossroads program
By KELLEY SHEISS
for The Post & Mail
A new initiative spurred by the orthopedic industry in Kosciusko County may have benefits for the students of Whitko School Corporation.
Superintendent Steve Clason recently reported to board members a program called BioCrossroads is working to assemble a comprehensive strategy for K-12 education.
Part of the recent “OrthoWorks” announcement, Clason said the strategy will focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Electronics, Math) initiatives, emphasizing the promotion of life sciences across Indiana. The effort could benefit Whitko by building partnerships between educational institutions and business/industry.
“We need to have workers that can work in this field,” said Clason, referring to the biomedical sector. “This effort may lead to a New Tech high school or project-based learning initiatives. We’re not sure yet. It’s not passing us by. We’re sitting at the table and we’re in it.”
Clason also took time to review the corporation’s ISTEP scores, noting they were representative of others around the state. The superintendent said although last spring’s test was significantly different, he loves the spring test since emphasis can be placed on actual instruction and learning in the classroom throughout the school year.
“I think ultimately the spring test will be a good test,” he said.
A look at fall MAP scores in relation to the national norm showed Whitko students scoring about a point below or above the corporation target. Clason added the students are doing well with the national norm and are where they should be in language and reading. Clason stated overall they are doing very well with test scores, complimenting teachers on doing their jobs very well.
Board member Roger Boggs said the proof will be in the 2010 spring test results when they can compare apples to apples.
The official count at Whitko stands at 1,792, with the number possibly fluctuating in current weeks as vocational numbers are taken into account. The good news for the corporation is this number is at or slightly above what finance director Tom McFarland projected for the budget.
South Whitley Elementary Principal George Roth reported a recent cross country meet had 60 kids participating. Roth added they are finding kids who have a vested interest in something outside of school do better in the classroom.
The corporation recently approved an agreement with the Whitko Classroom Teachers Association, with Clason thanking the group for handling the process in the nicest, cleanest manner he has been a part of in more than 30 years of negotiations.
Clason added most teachers will have a zero net raise. The cost to the corporation will be seen in increased cost of retirement benefits.
Board members approved an agreement with the American Red Cross to allow Whitko facilities be used should a disaster occur that requires sheltering people in the community. Whitko School board member Terry Eberly was reappointed to another four-year term on the South Whitley Library Board.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, September 30 2009 )
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