Explaining the changes at Vashon
By Dr. Creg E. Williams
Guest Columnist
Our schools and our children are experiencing many exciting and important changes these days.
Every step I have taken since becoming superintendent last April has had one sole purpose: to improve the quality of education and better prepare our children for their future.
I’d like to start telling you more about what’s going on inside the St. Louis Public Schools as we continue to roll out new programs.
I believe in our students, and I believe they can do well. But it is painfully obvious that our high schools and middle schools must do a better job. Strong steps are needed now, and I have chosen to start with Vashon High School.
As you may know, Vashon this year has started parent patrols, a crisis team, a response team, and a Parent Teacher Organization. All this has helped, but we need to do more – and we simply can’t wait. As of January 17, two big changes took effect:
? A new 9th grade center opened at Williams School. It is a small learning center with stronger instruction and more individual attention. All Vashon 9th graders will attend class, all day, in this center for the rest of the school year. They will be the center’s only students. About 20 teachers have moved with the children. We are adding extra teaching time in math and English for those who need it. Around the nation, small school settings like this have improved student performance.
? 12th graders who are on track to graduate will now spend the entire school day, taking both high school and college level courses, at the University of Missouri-St. Louis and Ranken Technical College. They will earn college credit, and they will be supervised by a Vashon staff person.
The staff at Vashon took part in developing these plans and is very enthusiastic about them.
Giving our children a better education is the most important goal of all. I, the Board of Education, and the dedicated staff at Vashon believe these changes will help us reach this goal.
Working together, we will make sure our children succeed.
Creg E. Williams is Superintendent of the St. Louis Public Schools. Contact him by email at SuperintendentWilliams@slps.com or by mail at 801 N. 11th Street, St. Louis, MO 63101