Springfield district leaders and two middle school principals presented a framework on March 27 to "reimagine" middle school instruction, schedules and student supports, aimed at improving engagement and academic outcomes.

Presenters outlined a four-part plan centered on teaching and learning, student voice and family empowerment, career exploration and student well-being. Principal Jada Gonzalez (South Bend Middle School) and Principal Williams (STEM Middle Academy) described data showing below-state averages on some MCAS measures and noted student survey results indicating about half of students report favorable experiences with joy and relevance in learning.

Attendance and interventions: Both principals said improved attendance efforts this year have reduced chronic absenteeism at their schools. Principal Williams said STEM Middle’s average daily attendance is about 92% and South Bend reported more than a 5 percentage-point reduction in chronic absenteeism after coordinated outreach and attendance-team work with district partners.

Instruction and schedule changes: Presenters proposed flexible scheduling, enriched exploratory and hands-on experiences (including career-themed learning), advisory/"crew" structures with intentional curricula for social‑emotional learning and college/career exploration, and increased use of high-quality instructional materials. They described plans to develop school identity, set “wildly important goals,” strengthen feeder patterns from elementary through high school, and expand community and college partnerships to host culminating events and enrichment programs.

Career and student voice: The plan would expand college and career awareness (myCAP) in middle grades, encourage student-led conferences, build portfolios for eighth-grade students showing explored career options, and scale partnerships with local colleges and employers.

Implementation and questions: Committee members asked how much of the plan is already underway and what the committee’s role should be. Presenters said they were in early stages of research and planning and may return seeking committee support for specific schedule or program changes. Several members urged the district to consider restoring hands-on shop and home-economics type offerings and to lean on local colleges for partnership opportunities.

Next steps: Staff said they will continue research, pilot schedule changes and enrichment offerings (including summer opportunities), and bring proposals back to the committee for any required approvals or budget requests.