Our Superintendent
"Welcome to Lake and Peninsula School District.
It has been ten years since Lake and Peninsula School District decided to reform the district's educational model. The implementation process has had its share of ups and downs but a decade later there is no ignoring the results. Student achievement has more than doubled on State testing and our graduates undoubtedly are leaving us better prepared for the road ahead. For most of our students, this performance-based system of schooling is all they know. This is evident in a deeper understanding of the model and more students graduating on time. This shows that our student body knows exactly what is expected of them and that they have to perform in order to stay on track to graduate.
Instead of measuring "seat time" in the classroom and promoting students from grade to grade, whatever their skills, LPSD students proceed through a set of standards at their own pace. Teachers continuously monitor student progress and push, encourage and teach students. Some students may excel in completing district requirements and reach graduation level a year or two early while others stay with us and graduate a year or two later. With this model, time is not a factor in student success. LPSD student performance is the measure of academic achievement – not a grade or period of time a student spends in class.
While the SBS demands more from its teachers, most would say that they find it more rewarding. The challenge lies in meeting each child's individual needs. While class sizes are small in Lake and Peninsula (7.5 to 1 student teacher ratio), teachers may have students at many different levels and abilities. For example, an elementary math class may only have seven students but those students will most likely be spread out over two or three math levels and be moving at a different pace. Differentiating instruction is a must.
While the SBS may never be completely finished (we will always be making improvements to meet student needs) we are at a point where there is no turning back. The standards based system is simply what we do. The school board, administration, staff, students and communities believe that this is a superior way to teach our children. Philosophically, it makes sense and the test scores are there to back up the system.
While other institutions are looking for the next great educational reform movement, we can rest assured that we are doing amazing things for our kids with our current standards-based model!
Please know that my door is open at all times. If you have any questions or concerns during the school year, please give me a call, send me an e-mail, or stop by the office. I am always open to new ideas and suggestions."
Ty Mase
Superintendent