A strategic plan provides a roadmap that guides an organization toward a vision of the future, moving from its current state to the ideal state. In today’s world, strategic plans are critical in guiding growth and improvement not only in traditional “business” settings, like manufacturing and retail, but also for educational institutions and school systems.

As you would imagine, the Brunswick School Department’s 2023 – 2028 Strategic Plan focuses heavily on curriculum that empowers all students to learn and thrive. The plan’s first priority, teaching and learning, includes three elements: 1)  Implementing/designing high-quality, standards-aligned, core curriculum and assessment; 2) Developing shared beliefs and practices about teaching and learning; and 3) Using data to inform decisions about curriculum, programming and instruction.

The curriculum in the Brunswick School Department extends far beyond reading, writing, and arithmetic, and aligns with our vision, “Brunswick schools are welcoming, inclusive, and safe learning communities where all students are held to high expectations as they develop skills necessary to thrive in a diverse and ever-changing world.”

Our Strategic Plan strives to ensure our curriculum is inclusive, developmentally appropriate, engaging and meaningful, aligned with grade-level state standards, consistent in every classroom (not teacher dependent), and aligned to ensure a meaningful progression from one grade to the next.

The student population in Brunswick is among the most diverse in the state, with about 20 different spoken native languages in our school system. Beyond that, students bring different levels of engagement and goals for the future. Step into a high school classroom, and you might find a student who dreams about a career in nursing. To their right sits a classmate eager to begin a career in law enforcement. On the left, another who is unsure and perhaps lacks the confidence to dare dream of the possibilities that may lie ahead.

Our challenge is to provide learning content that engages all students in meaningful ways, in an inclusive classroom environment where these diverse learners will thrive. For example, our science classes include a healthy portion of hands-on learning. I’ve written about our K-12 partnership with the Cathance River Education Alliance (CREA), which brings kids outdoors to learn in a hands-on environment. The hands-on piece has been shown to effectively engage students who may not excel in a solely textbook-driven class. Students tell us that it’s fun and doesn’t feel like school.

Building a solid reading foundation is critical to success throughout a student’s educational journey and into the real world. Our K – 3 teachers, for example, incorporate the UFLI Foundation program that teaches foundational skills necessary for proficient reading. UFLI (pronounced “you fly”)  follows a carefully developed scope and sequence that ensures students systematically acquire skills and learn to read with confidence and minimal conscious effort.

K – 8 math teachers use Ready Classroom, another student-centered program, that focuses on more than rote memorization. Students build a deep understanding of math concepts, develop problem-solving skills, and learn to explain and discuss their thinking — more skills that have long-term benefits.

Much like the New England Patriots, it takes a team to win. Our strategic plan also includes elements to recruit, retain, and develop the best staff, and to strengthen our engagement with families.

I’m excited about the evolution of school curriculum, particularly its continued shift toward student-centered programs and away from the cookie-cutter lessons of decades past. Students are engaged, motivated and learning. And that’s something to celebrate.

Phillip Potenziano is superintendent of Brunswick schools.