Using AI At Wayne Schools, Expanding Parent Outreach: Potential District Goals

WAYNE, NJ — As classroom technology continues evolving and Wayne Township keeps growing in population, school leaders are outlining possible areas of focus for next school year and beyond.

These goals help provide a framework for the district to address any urgent needs, plan for the future, and explore new ways to enhance students' learning experiences.

At the board's June 13 meeting, Superintendent Dr. Mark Toback and Assistant Superintendent Donna Reichman shared potential district goals for the 2024/25 school year. These include using artificial intelligence as an educational tool for both students and teachers, improving the district's Intervention and Referral Services model, and expanding a parent outreach program.

Here are the goals (still in draft form) for next school year, and a bit from the slide show about why each one is important.

1. Exploring how to use AI to "enhance educational outcomes and employee efficiency."

"Incorporating AI as a school district goal aligns with the overarching mission to provide the highest quality education possible, improving operational efficiency wherever possible and supporting the holistic development of students. By leveraging AI, the school district can enhance its delivery of education programs, support teachers, and ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed in a technology-driven world that will include multiple AI tools."

2. Expanding parent outreach program The Gathering Spot to more schools.

"This past year, we learned through experience that parental involvement programs that create opportunities for parents to understand how they can best support their child’s academic and social growth are especially beneficial. The Gathering Spot is a successful new parent program that started at the Preakness Early Childhood Center during the 2023-2024 school year. Now that we can see how beneficial the program can be, we can expand the program into other schools and grade levels."

3. Assess and modernize the method used to evaluate teacher practice (Wayne Schools currently uses the Stronge Model, which is one of the ones approved by the state Department of Education).

"Ten years have passed since the implementation of the Stronge Model, and much has changed in those ten years. The staff is comfortable and well-trained with the Stronge Model. The District is still required to use a state-approved teacher practice instrument, the Stronge Model allows for changes. Considering changes after ten years is a responsible step when considering the central importance of quality teaching in every school system."

4. Develop "Profile of a Graduate" projects to be piloted at the elementary and middle school levels.

"Many school districts struggled with refocusing after the pandemic, and profile projects were common in schools across the United States. (We identified) the core competencies that we value most in the Wayne Township Public Schools. Now that we have an agreed-upon profile, we must take the next steps to make it relevant."

5. Proactively build on Wayne's educational technology network and prepare to integrate new technological advancements in the future.

"...the district has recognized the need to build a new data center to serve as the foundation for future network growth. The next step is to build out our network at the building level in consideration of future needs."

6. Consider a different model for Intervention and Referral Services, to better address student and staff needs.

"One way to reduce the number of students referred to Intervention and referral services is to provide additional research-based tier I support in the classroom at critical times during each student’s earliest educational experiences (Grade K-3) when most referrals are made but extending throughout the middle school years. The district has a Multi-Tiered System of Support model that was recently introduced, and introductory training was provided to staff. Successful I&RS teams follow a multi-disciplinary approach with a well-articulated system of supportive activities and services."

You may watch the board meeting here, and view the draft district goals presentation here. In the past, the board has formalized their goals closer to the start of the school year.

The next Wayne Township Board of Education meeting is July 11.