Lakewood Schools Looking To Improve, Forming Task Forces

LAKEWOOD, OH — Lakewood Schools have formed task forces designed to move the district forward and advance past the status quo, Superintendent Michael Barnes said in a message to the community.

"One of the biggest things that can drag down an organization is a culture that is satisfied with the status quo," he said in his message. To combat a sense of satisfaction, Barnes has overseen the creation of several task forces. Here are just a few.

The Innovation Task Force is meant to question how technology can be integrated into classrooms. The LCS Going Green Committee wants to improve recycling in the district and educate students and staff on how to be good stewards of the environment.

In February and March, teachers from across the school district were brought together to mold a math and literacy framework for the Lakewood Schools. The document that was created is guidance, reminding educators what those subjects mean to the district.

"The teams met to develop a PreK-12 belief statement in the area of mathematics and literacy. These documents will include what we expect students to know and be able to do, how we will get them there, what we will do if students are not able to do these expectations, resources and strategies," Barnes said.

Parents will also be brought in to evaluate some of the work. The elementary Report Card committee has been tasked with improving the assessment measurements for K-5 students' progress. Parents will get a chance to look at the committee's proposed new report cards and weigh in, Barnes noted.

"These committees were formed because we value our staff’s input. We want our initiatives to be born from the grassroots up. We need our staff, and at times, also our parents, to help find creative solutions to the issues facing our District," Barnes said.