In a bold effort toward a holistic redesign of our nation’s schools, Cumby ISD has joined the Learning 2025 network of demonstration systems, a collaborative network of districts to help advance student-centered, equity-focused, future-driven education, administered by AASA, The School Superintendents Association.
The more than 110 “demonstration systems” represent a collection of forward-leaning urban, suburban and rural districts serving as national models to help guide and reposition partner districts efficiently by sharing successful practices and successes, as well as challenges.
“Serving as a demonstration site by participating in this initiative is an honor for Cumby ISD,” said Shelly Slaughter. “We look forward to working with other school districts from across the country to learn more about their strategic improvement efforts. In addition, our staff will be able to network with peers nationwide, and share strategic ideas and winning solutions in our collective effort to strengthen our communities and raise student outcomes.”
“Our goal is to galvanize and synergize thought leaders from all sectors to emerge from the pandemic in better shape than they were before,” said Daniel A. Domenech, executive director, AASA. “This initiative will ensure that educators are empowered and equipped to meet whole learners’ needs by personalizing and customizing instruction involving students in designing their own learning and coordinating resources to support ALL children’s overall growth and well-being.”
The AASA Learning 2025: National Commission on Student-Centered, Equity-Focused, Future-Driven Education, recommended essential principles for school system redesign. The recommendations, which include the creation of demonstration districts, are found in the commission’s report, An American Imperative: A New Vision of Public Schools.
“This report contains a blueprint to empower school districts to design their plans and meet the specific needs of their learners, educators and communities,” said Kristi Wilson, 2020-21 president of AASA; superintendent, Buckeye Elementary School District, Buckeye, Ariz.; and one of the 27 Learning 2025 Commissioners.
“Every district that commits to becoming a demonstration system will receive a personalized consultation and become part of a community of learners who help each other as ‘critical friends’ focused on student learning.”
An AASA Learning 2025 Demonstration System will:
• Receive senior consulting services, personalized engagement and strategic planning support for their district.
•Gain the opportunity to work on a dashboard to track district progress and provide real data to community stakeholders.
•Take part in professional learning opportunities, including a complimentary registration to one of AASA's Leadership Network cohorts.