Cooperative education in a competitive market

Education in the Mat-Su Borough School District is cooperative education in a competitive market. As the fourth quarter of this school year is under way, Mat-Su students are engaged in an educational environment that may look and feel very different from that their parents and grandparents experienced. Mat-Su students are digital natives — they have grown up using devices to help them learn, communicate and shape their identities and habits.

The district budget process is continuing to solidify as the state legislative session is scheduled to end April 15, and the Mat-Su Borough will begin its public budget deliberations soon. MSBSD is partnering, planning and preparing for the best academic experience and outcome for all 17,500 students at our 45 school sites. School is a safe and welcoming place for our students. Teachers, administrators and all support staff are working harder and smarter to meet the needs of preschool-, primary-, middle- and high school-age children.

Some of the partnerships that have been forged this year that continue to develop and thrive include:

• National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) — Sponsored by Exxon Mobile, among other corporate and individual sponsors, NMSI’s chairman of the board and former assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, Tom Luce, has met with district administration and the Alaska U.S. Congressional delegation in securing a $175,000 grant for a state of Alaska pilot program here in Mat-Su. Fifty Mat-Su teachers were trained last summer through NMSI and we plan now for more professional development, as well as providing a model for the state for teachers to be fully trained in math and science teaching best practices. According to NMSI research, “54 percent of high school grads weren’t ready for college math. With the right math teacher training, you can ensure that all students are prepared for success.”

• Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP) — Described as a “longitudinal model,” ANSEP is for students beginning in middle school all the way through college. Mat-Su curriculum and course offerings are strategically and vertically aligned so that students are fully prepared throughout their entire school experience at all grade levels to explore science and engineering opportunities. These opportunities are a hands-on approach to learning for Native Alaska students as well as other MSBSD middle school students who may not have the educational opportunities because of socio-economic hardships or other learning barriers. This winter, 54 students were enrolled in the first ANSEP Middle School Academy held during the school year. In Mat-Su, we want our students to also experience the ANSEP Summer Academy, building on the success they have experienced this spring.

• Air Force JROTC at Wasilla High School — At capacity of 140-plus students in the first year, this program has exploded leadership and character learning and opportunities for students who may also have a desire to serve in the U.S. military after graduation. The mission of AFJROTC is: “Develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community.” The mission of the program is aligned with the mission of the district. Goals include instilling values of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment. These goals are lifelong goals for all Mat-Su students.

As the fourth quarter winds down, students will transition from preschool and kindergarten into first grade, from fifth to sixth grade as middle school students, into high school as freshmen and then into college, the military, technical school or trades and skills training, some other career pathway and into adult life. Each of these transitions brings change and tension for students — challenges that help them as they continue to learn, grow and become successful and productive adults. Learning truly is life-long. As our students move through the various levels of public education, we know that in Mat-Su they are met each day by caring adults in our schools, they are presented with strong and rigorous academic options and are afforded a wide variety of co-curricular activities to strengthen their minds and bodies. Students are our business and public education is our business plan in the Mat-Su Borough School District.

In this cooperative education environment, you as students, our parents and community education stakeholders are vital to the success of each student, each program, each school and the district as a whole. Your input and involvement is necessary and it is appreciated as we continue to map out the best educational plans for all of our students in the competitive market of life. Thank you for your support of all of your Mat-Su schools.

Deena M. Paramo has been Mat-Su Borough School District superintendent since 2011.