The Stratford Board of Education meeting held on December 16, 2024, focused on updates from the teaching and learning department, highlighting ongoing initiatives and future plans for the district. The meeting commenced with a warm holiday greeting from the department, expressing gratitude for community support and collaboration.

The first agenda item addressed the progress in elementary education, particularly the partnership with Hill for Literacy. This initiative aims to enhance literacy instruction through coaching and training for teachers, ensuring they effectively implement the new literacy program. The department reported positive feedback from staff regarding the coaching sessions, which are designed to align instructional practices across grades K-6.

Next, the meeting covered the secondary education updates, including a peer learning community visit from Franklin, New Hampshire. This collaboration, part of the Barr Foundation's Portrait of a Graduate initiative, involved educators from both districts analyzing instructional practices. Key observations noted increased student engagement and alignment with educational standards, with plans for Stratford educators to visit Franklin in February to continue this collaborative effort.

The board also discussed the finalization of the high school program of studies, which aims to enhance academic and elective offerings for students. Collaborative efforts among department heads and counselors have led to updates in course descriptions and new proposals, focusing on increasing access to advanced placement and technical education pathways. The next steps include final adjustments to the program to support informed course selections for the upcoming school year.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted the new teachers' education and mentoring program, which recently completed a module on professional ethics. This initiative fosters meaningful discussions among educators about their responsibilities.

The meeting concluded with a summary of various school events, including family nights and holiday concerts, showcasing the district's commitment to community engagement. The department expressed optimism about the impact of the new literacy curriculum on student reading scores, with progress monitoring expected in January or February.

Overall, the meeting underscored Stratford's dedication to providing high-quality, student-centered educational experiences and the importance of collaboration among educators and the community.