September 25, 2009

The 2009-2010 school year is underway and Sunnyvale School District had a very successful opening. Our student enrollment is up 150 students to 6,333 students spread across our eight elementary and two middle school campuses.

Despite the challenges we face due to the state's school funding crises, our work continues this new school year in developing a great environment for teaching and learning. We are confident these efforts will be reflected in improved student achievement gains.

We are embracing a multifaceted approach to school improvement through the framework of the Correlates of Effective Schools. Effective Schools is an approach adopted by many school districts across the nation and its goal is simple: Learning for all - whatever it takes. The beliefs behind Effective Schools are that all children can learn; it is the responsibility of teachers, administrators, and other school staff to help make that happen. Data about individual student performance can be used to make sure we are reaching and teaching every student. This important work needs to be done collaboratively within a professional learning community model that is student centered, with a focus on learning for all, and improving student achievement.

Effective Schools is not something extra. It does not require more resources, so it can be implemented during these times of fiscal restraint. While it may require a change in focus or even teaching differently, we need to continually sharpen our focus on student learning.

What are the Correlates?

The Correlates of Effective Schools are timeless, research based, characteristics of successful schools that when used together as a framework, have proven successful for over forty years. Embracing the Seven Correlates means we will always strive to provide:

0. Instruction Leadership
0. Clear & Focused Mission
0. Safe & Orderly Environment
0. Frequent Monitoring of Student Progress
0. Climate of High Expectations
0. Positive Home School Relations
0. Opportunity to Learn & Student Time on Task

My focus will remain and not waiver from providing the best possible academic experience for the students we serve to ensure that all students learn. I hope you and those students in your life have a wonderful and productive school year.

Yours truly,

Benjamin H. Picard, Ed. D.

Superintendent of Schools