New Bedford 2020 - VHB.com

A City Master Plan New Bedford 2020Goals and ObjectivesThe following goals and objectives supplement the NBPS Strategic Plan and address educational needs as theyrelate to the larger vision for our seaport community—a sustainable workforce, strengthening communityinvolvement, and promoting achievements and cultural heritage.1. Continue to improve the performance of students in the New Bedford school system and participants in otherschool system programsa. Strengthen traditional learning programsb. Extend the classroom opportunities into the community through partnerships with regional universities,agencies, and other community non-profit organizationsc. Expand curriculum programs to include skills and training for 21 st century jobs for both students and adultsd. Expand successful programs to other grades or segments of the populatione. Increase cultural responsiveness when making decisions about curriculum and inspiring student performance2. Engage the community’s participation in school programs, policy discussions, and eventsa. Use a variety of mechanisms and meeting schedules to reach out to families and encourage their participationin school eventsb. Provide transportation options to get families to school meetings and events or to allow families to watch andcontribute to programs from residences via media and internet connectionsc. Strengthen cultural responsiveness when considering actions to encourage more family participation, includingbi-lingual notification through various media sources3. Continue to provide innovative educational opportunities to students, families, and adultsa. Expand linkages with local colleges to provide alternative learning programs and expand early collegeawareness programsb. Expand the continuing educational options (i.e., schedule; location) for adultsc. Continue the ESOL and GED opportunities, and explore collaboration opportunities between the two programsand other support organizationsd. Provide job training for those seeking to enter or re-enter the labor force or to enhance their job skillse. Provide learning options for the Green Economy and workforce development for local green industries andgreening organizationsf. Invest in options for virtual instruction to allow for learning outside the classroom settingg. Partner with cultural organizations to integrate an understanding of local history (and the civic pride thisengenders) into school curricula and other programsEducation10-7