State Superintendent Tours Thomas Jefferson Junior High

Exploratory courses such as financial literacy, intro to graphic design and music production at Thomas Jefferson Junior High School drew Illinois State Superintendent Tony Smith to tour the campus Aug. 26.

Greg Wolcott, assistant superintendent for teaching and learning, explained how the administration questioned whether a traditional family and consumer science class fit the school’s Academic Transformation Plan, which emphasizes chasing goals and college and career readiness.

Smith got a first-hand look at the expanded course opportunities seventh and eighth grade students receive in Woodridge District 68. He listened as teachers explained software, robotics, audio mixing and photoshop instruction. He asked students what they were learning and snapped photos of the professional development center and the giant rock wall.

Smith was impressed by the reminders and reiterations of the transformation plan throughout the school.

”The coherence, the clarity is fantastic,” he said.

Principal William Schmidt said he was happy to see Smith get down to students’ level, to ask genuine questions and to show interest in the school’s approach to 21st century learning.

“It’s a great thing to teach and to share what we’re doing,” Schmidt said. “It’s not about me, it’s not about you, it’s about us, and we are fortunate to be able to show this off.