Battle Ground Public Schools

6 | BATTLE GROUND PUBLIC SCHOOLS e district has been a leader in implementing multiple state and federal initiatives to support student learning and create an education system that adequately prepares students for life aer high school. "e term 'Career and College Ready,' is more than a catch phrase within Battle Ground Public Schools. Our district is making great leaps forward in aligning our values and goals with the expectations and demands of the workforce and global economy." – Superintendent Mark Hottowe e district is beginning to see the benefits from several years of training, planning and preparing for several mandated state and federal initiatives, including the new Teacher/Principal Evaluation Project, new standards for English language arts and mathematics and new Smarter Balanced Assessments. In addition to state initiatives, the district has moved forward with related areas such as implementing new standards-based grading and standards-based report cards in grades K-4. "ese elements help us align our work across the district and create a cohesive, forward moving district," Hottowe said. "ese are large initiatives that have required a lot from our district and our staff. I am so proud of our staff and their ability to work hard, grow professionally and meet these difficult challenges. We are not out of the woods yet; we have several more years of work, but I am confident in our staff 's ability to meet these challenges and continue to be leaders in education." Each of the major educational initiatives are described here. Roadmap for Success From Common Core State Standards to Washington State Learning Standards In 2011, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) adopted the Common Core State Standards for English language arts and mathematics into the Washington State Learning Standards. Washington has had learning standards since the 1980s and has been a leader in the country for implementing statewide learning standards. OSPI also adopted new science standards, called Next Generation Science Standards, in 2013. Since their adoption, Battle Ground Public Schools has taken a proactive approach to training teachers, updating assessments, and providing resources for teachers. is proactive approach has made BGPS a leader in implementation, giving staff the resources they need to be successful. e new ELA and math standards were implemented this year and staff are currently being trained on the new science standards, which are expected to be implemented in the 2016-17 school year.

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