Superintendent's Update - September 27, 2024
Superintendent's Update - September 27, 2024
From the Office of the Superintendent
Board Agenda Calendar
View Calendar of Board Items 2024-25
Superintendent Austin’s Message . . .
Evidence Based Grading (EBG): As I walked around one of our middle schools Back to School Nights this year, I was struck by how many teachers were discussing EBG with our families. While discussions were underway prior to my arrival seven years ago, it looks like we are nearing a critical mass of teachers shifting practices to align more closely with EBG. I have been asked if this is a PAUSD mandate. The short answer is no. It is, however, supported with professional development and some resources. I am not sure where things will ultimately land, but the shift is now noticeable.
Along with any change, comes a degree of confusion. People have been asking more questions about the grading shifts. EBG focuses on what students actually know and can do, rather than just averaging scores. Instead of relying on a single test or homework grades, EBG looks at how well a student understands specific skills or concepts over time. For example, in traditional grading, a few bad scores could lower a student's overall grade, even if they improved later. In EBG, the focus is on showing growth and mastery. Students get feedback on what they need to improve and can keep working on those skills until they succeed. This approach is designed to give a clearer picture of what a student has truly learned and supports ongoing improvement.
If your teacher is using EBG and you have questions, please reach out. At some point, I expect people to have questions for those who are NOT using it. For now, this is mostly organic and completely up to the teachers.
Cell Phones: Our state has given school districts until the end of the year in 2026 to develop, share, or revise policies that restrict cell phone use on school sites. We are taking our time to allow for thoughtful discussions. I spoke to people who said they had a strong opinion one day and were less sure after balancing the dangers of social media with their desire to be in contact with their children. I don’t speak on behalf of our school board. Personally, I think we should take our time and increase the odds of us getting this one as “right” as we can.
Course Creation: I have written about this topic before, but some aspects may be confusing. Our secondary teachers have the ability to develop and propose courses to the Board of Education each year for consideration. This year, the process will conclude in January of 2025. This is as late as possible before students will begin selecting courses for the next year. The only exception I can think of to this rule is when the legislature mandates a course. In those cases only a school district is compelled to bring teachers together to create a course. Teachers can only teach courses that are approved. An easy place to see what is offered is the University of California Doorways. You can see our two comprehensive high schools below:
Palo Alto High School: https://hs-articulation.ucop.edu/agcourselist/institution/2258
Gunn High School: https://hs-articulation.ucop.edu/agcourselist/institution/2257
PAUSD Strengthens Innovation and Learning Through Strategic Partnerships with Stanford and KPMG
One of PAUSD’s key Promise goals for innovation is to enhance student engagement and success by expanding real-world learning opportunities and fostering strong community partnerships. This week, the District took significant steps toward achieving that vision by engaging in two dynamic initiatives that aim to bring invaluable reading resources to Title 1 schools, industry expertise, and valuable AI research and knowledge to the District.
Innovating Together with Stanford Accelerator for Learning
PAUSD appreciates the leaders of Stanford Accelerator for Learning for the insightful meeting with District leadership to discuss the current landscape of AI, explore ongoing discussions on innovation, and identify additional partnership areas. As part of this engagement, a visit to the Paly Tower Learning Center allowed for a constructive exchange of feedback from Stanford experts and an exploration of strategies to enhance tutor support. A promising avenue for future collaboration involves partnering with Stanford in exploring AI-assisted tutoring tools, which have shown potential to improve tutor effectiveness and further enhance inclusive instruction.
Partnering with KPMG to Support Young Readers
PAUSD extends its sincere gratitude to the KPMG Literacy Community Project for generously donating over a thousand books to support the students and elementary school teachers in Palo Alto Unified School District’s Title I schools. Your contribution is greatly appreciated and will have a meaningful impact on our students' learning and literacy development.
Companies and organizations interested in partnering with our District, please Get Involved!
Parenting Classes en Español
Last week, our Student and Family Engagement Specialist Team (SaFEs) launched a 10-week parenting class for Spanish speaking parents whose students attend Paly and Gunn. Some of the topics include school engagement, peer pressures, family conflict, and media influences. These classes are taught in Spanish and will run on Wednesday evenings through November.
At the first session on September 18, families shared their celebrations and challenges raising teenage kids. A strong sense of community was built immediately as we discovered there are collective experiences we all share. Participants are working through exercises and activities from the Parent Project guide. We look forward to planning more parent education sessions this year; stay tuned!
Additionally, The Children's Health Council (CHC) and PAUSD are hosting 6 virtual support group sessions for Spanish-speaking families. Each 1-hour meeting focuses on one topic and is hosted by a Spanish-speaking psychologist who answers questions and offers culturally sensitive advice.
The next meeting is for High School families and the topic is "Ways to Improve Mental Health." It will be on October 7th at 6:30 PM. chconline-org.zoom.us/j/83796496521
Discover Palo Alto Bicycle Routes
Sunday, October 6, 1-3pm at Fairmeadow School, 500 East Meadow Drive
This free event helps people find and explore Palo Alto’s parks, open spaces and other fun destinations using route maps to bike bridges and tunnels, off-road trails and bike friendly streets that make bicycling Palo Alto easy and fun. Stop for treats along the way. At Fairmeadow, find bicycle mini tune-ups, a pop-up Traffic Garden, how-to-fit-your-helmet help, safe riding tips, and more. Visit a Stanford Research Park booth offering free bike lights (while supplies last). Bike Palo Alto encourages people of all ages and abilities to bike more places more often. Join the ride or volunteer! Find details and register in advance here https://bikepaloalto.org/
Stanford Football Cardinal Kids Day
Stanford Football vs. Virginia Tech
Saturday, October 5, 2024
Kickoff at 12:30 PM
Stanford Stadium
Stanford Football is offering a special deal for families:
- Up to four (4) free youth tickets per family
- Youth tickets are for kids in 8th grade and below (per NCAA regulations)
- Purchase of at least one single game ticket is required
How to Get Tickets:
Scan the QR code provided in the official announcement to secure your tickets.
For more information, contact:
- Grace Falvey
- Email: GFALVEY@stanford.edu
- Phone: 650.724.3789
Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy Stanford Football with your family!
