Falls Schools 'Way Ahead' in Preparing for Standards Shift, Evers Says

When you think of kindergarten, finger-painting and the ABCs typically come to mind. But in Menomonee Falls, kindergartners are setting collective learning goals and tracking their progress in data binders – sound like your memories as a five-year-old?

Falls district administrators, teachers, and staff showcased their innovative approach to education Tuesday during a visit from State Superintendent Tony Evers.

The district’s “Plan, Do, Study, Act” program has been implemented not only in the classroom, but every single department in the district. In the classroom, students set learning objectives with “I Can” statements. They plan a course of action to achieve those goals with their teacher. Then, they work as a group to determine what activities and lessons worked well, and what changes could be made. They act on it, and repeat the cycle in three-week intervals.

As part of the process, teachers track the achievement data from the class. For example, everyone in the class will know how to count to 100, or everyone in the class will achieve 70 percent or higher during in-class science quizzes. The data are tracked, students discuss what works well, and continue to adapt as the year progresses.

“Most of the discussion at the state level is about the new evaluation system. The work they are doing here already fits into that…they have made a very good start here. They are way ahead,” Evers said.

Additionally, administrators, building and grounds, food service, and teachers are also participating in the same continual improvement model.

“It’s helped us work better together. We’ve connected better as a system,” said Technology Director Jeff Nennig.

The approach has positioned Menomonee Falls students in a good place as the state standards shift.

“Students are engaged in their own learning. They know what their goals are, and they continually assess where they are,” Evers said. “It’s not rocket science, but when the kids are engaged in meaningful work, they are going to learn.”

In September 2012, Evers announced a $7 million plan to replace the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination (WKCE) with a suite of ACT assessments to measure student learning and better prepare the state’s youth for post-secondary education careers. State standards for all levels of education will also be stepped up in 2014, which sets into motion a major shift in the curriculum in the classroom. 

From May 14-17, Carnegie Foundaiton Research team will be visiting the district to complete a full national case study on the work occuring in the district.