FOCUS FORWARD MAYFIELD
MAYFIELD’S SYSTEMS FOR
21ST CENTURY LEARNING:
Empowering the Next Generation
Every child in the U.S. needs 21st century knowledge and skills to succeed as effective citizens, workers, and leaders. There is a profound gap between the knowledge and skills most students learn in school and the knowledge and skills they need in typical 21st-century communities and workplaces. To successfully face rigorous higher education coursework, career challenges, and a globally competitive workforce, U.S. schools must align classroom environments with real-world environments by fusing core content with a toolbelt of skills, mindsets, and values for success in college, career, and life. At the heart of this transformation is Mayfield City Schools which not only teaches these skills, mindsets and values, but moves our students beyond skills and knowledge acquisition through a systems approach to becoming producers and creators of knowledge. This is the true expression of deeper learning.
1. Portrait of a Wildcat: The Goal
WHY: College, Career & Life Preparation
The first step in our system is to clearly define the end goal. We aim to prepare our students for what lies beyond the school gates. Our vision isn't just focused on their immediate future such as college or their first job, but we strive to equip them for the challenges they will face throughout their lives. We want our students to be more than just savvy individuals, we want them to be balanced, well-rounded people who are capable of navigating the complexities of the 21st-century world. That is the bullseye of our "Portrait of a Wildcat".
2. Focus Forward Mayfield: The Plan
WHAT: One Plan. One Focus.
Having defined our goal, the next step is to create a continuous improvement plan that will guide us to that end. "Focus Forward Mayfield" is that plan. It is a comprehensive approach that combines various aspects of education, from curriculum to guided strategies, to extra-curricular activities and community engagement. It's not just about what we teach, but how we teach and interact with our students. This single-minded focus ensures that every aspect of our system is working towards the same goal, thereby maximizing the effectiveness of our efforts.
3. Professional Learning Communities: The Method
HOW: The way we get there.
The final piece of the puzzle is our method. We believe that learning is a community effort. By creating Professional Learning Communities (PLC), we foster a collaborative environment where everyone is invested in the education of our students. This isn't limited to just our teachers. Parents, administrators, community leaders and the students themselves are all part of the PLC. Through regular meetings and open communication, we ensure that everyone is on the same page and moving in the same direction. This collective approach not only ensures consistency in our efforts, but also allows us to draw on the strengths and expertise of our entire community.
By defining our goal, establishing a focused plan, and employing a community-based approach, we at Mayfield City Schools are working to close the gap between the skills our students learn in school and the skills they need in the 21st century. It's not just about teaching information, but about shaping individuals who are prepared for the challenges of college, career, and life. With these systems in place, we are confident that our students will not only meet the demands of the 21st century but will actively thrive in it.
