POINTS of PRIDE: Panorama Community School District

Panorama Community Schools is led by Superintendent Kathy Elliot, a person who has provided a solid foundation upon which this district can move learning forward.  In her words, "Panorama staff is determined to create an environment of academic challenge and growth; social and personal responsibility; artistic and athletic achievement."  All areas of focus to develop, in Ms. Elliot's words, "students as critical thinkers, independent learners, and productive citizens, fully prepared to face life's challenges." 

Panorama Schools serves the communities of Panora, Yale, Jamaica, Bagley and Linden, including the Lake Panorama area. Students enjoy a small classroom size and individual instruction while remaining close to DesMoines.

Demographics
Enrollment:     over 780 in grades PreK-12
Free & Reduced Lunch:     around 30%
Bussing:      Over 500 students are bussed in daily

AIW - Authentic Intellectual Work - provides a strong base for learning, especially at the secondary level.  Its power is in the sense of community it provides for educators.  AIW is a framework for analyzing instruction and student learning.  Outlined by the Center for Authentic Intellectual Work, AIW is based upon three defining criteria:  construction of knowledge (organizing, interpreting, evaluating, or synthesizing prior knowledge to solve new problems), disciplined inquiry (use of prior knowledge, in-depth understanding, expressing ideas and findings through elaborated communication), and value beyond school (real world applications).  Ms. Elliot described her staff as focused on doing what is best for students.  An example is that when they rolled out AIW, it was to be over a five year period.  In year one, eight teachers at the Middle School and High School piloted this process.  When teachers saw the impact, they all jumped on board, and by year three it was implemented with all teachers. It is now implemented in grades K-12.

Also a part of Panorama's  ongoing professional learning is instruction in CRISS - CReating Independence Through Student-Owned Strategies.  According to the Panorama website, CRISS provides a process of learning that allows students to attach new learning to prior learning, manipulate information in a variety of ways to make meaning, and focuses on teaching for understanding.  AIW coupled with CRISS provide a solid foundation for learning in Panorama Schools. 

Instructional Coach Dan Breyfogle

Panorama was one of the school districts selected for implementation of the TLC grants, Teacher Leadership and
Compensation.  All 14 teacher leaders are AIW trained along with two administrators.  The TLC grant has provided a full-time instructional coach in each building.  There are late start Wednesdays that provide an opportunity for professional development in teams led by a teacher leader.  Consistent meeting time helps to make professional learning more meaningful and credible as teachers help to direct the professional learning.  Conversations during team meetings are rich and have helped to change the culture of learning in the district.  Teachers bring videos of instruction in the hopes of receiving feedback for improvement.  For this to be effective, an atmosphere of trust had to be developed.  With the implementation of Iowa Core along with AIW, teaching is conceptual and backwards planning of instruction takes place - from the big picture to the daily lesson.

Panorama MS/HS has a auditorium that seats around 750.  They are proud of their numerous fine arts award winners.  Around 30% of their student population is involved in Speech and Drama along with around 50% participating in chorus.


FFA is also a source of pride for this district with ag instructor Evan Babcock.  Students are involved in refurbishing tractors and numerous activities that focus on developing leadership skills.

Elementary Principal Mary Breyfogle

Cafeteria with performance area

The elementary building is focused on using inquiry in the study of science and quality math instruction.  Most recently a backpack program was started to assure students have needed food for the weekend.  With an emphasis on literacy, reading a book has become the only homework.  They have an all natural preschool outdoor playground that serves as a non-traditional play space.  The elementary is appreciative of their incredibly supportive parents and community.

In the words of Principal Breyfogle, "We have a lovely building but the best part are the lovely people in it."  I would agree!  Panorama Community Schools is, in the words of their motto, "building tomorrow today!"

References:
WEBSITE - http://centerforaiw.com/aiw-framework-and-research
WEBSITE - http://www.panoramaschools.org