Feb. 4, 2009 – The scheduling of the Expectations for Education community forums for the month of February has been set, according to a press release from V.I. Commissioner of Education Dr. LaVerne Terry. The series of monthly forums targeting educational issues and expectations for the territory's public schools and all stakeholders will be held on St. Croix, Thursday, Feb. 12, at the Educational Complex; on St. John, Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the Julius E. Sprauve School cafeteria; and on St. Thomas, Wednesday, Feb. 18, at the Charlotte Amalie High School Ruth E. Thomas Auditorium. Each of the 90-minute sessions will begin promptly at 6 p.m.
The meetings will target the territory's Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) and preparations for the upcoming assessments in March. "Through the forums we will continue work on redeveloping and outlining the department's expectations as an agency and further hope to assist stakeholders with their needs and expectations, all toward an improved public education system," Terry said.
"At the department, we are committed to focusing on the needs of all stakeholders and in that effort we will schedule meetings to discuss concerns, propose resolutions, develop strategies and timelines to address the needs, as well as to assist persons with general information. We are seeking input from a cross section of the community – parents, students, current and retired teachers and administrators, businesspersons, and anyone that has a vested interest in the education of our students and improving the quality of life in the territory. We urge all parents and particularly the parents of bilingual/ESL and special needs students to come out and bring their concerns to us," the commissioner said.
Areas of particular concern include increased parent involvement, melding the home and school families; vocational education and career development; parents and educators of students with special needs; maintenance of facilities; staffing issues and overcrowding at several schools; and the future of the department. "I call on all residents to join us during our series of meetings. We welcome your dialogue and collaboration toward positive outcomes and improved services to our students and the community," she added.
To submit comments or suggested topics, visit the Department of Education Web site at www.doe.vi/forum