School Curriculum Advisory Committee seeks members

The Odessa School District Curriculum Advisory Committee has new openings for elementary and middle-school parent representatives. Parents of Odessa students who are interested in serving on this committee are invited to contact or leave a message for Bev Scherr at 982-2111, Ext. 108, or to contact the school district office at 982-2668. The Curriculum Advisory Committee plans to meet at 7:30 a.m. each month on the Thursday one week prior to the monthly School Board Meeting. The names of interested candidates will be submitted to the Board of Directors for their final decision and approval.

The Odessa School Board is responsible for the improvement and growth of the educational programs for the school district. To this end, the curriculum committee, with the approval of the superintendent, is responsible for establishing and monitoring such procedures for implementation of policy 2020 regarding curriculum adoptions. The functions of the curriculum advisory committee include the oversight of instructional materials, curriculum and program adoptions. It may also act as a sounding board for professional development and for the acquisition of resources to enhance curriculum and teaching.

All interested parents and community members are welcome to attend the meetings or preview materials that have been submitted for adoption. They are generally displayed in the high school office. During 2011-2012, instructional materials that will be reviewed include an English AP (advanced placement) textbook, middle and upper elementary school literature sets, the 3rd-6th grade reading curriculum, an elementary writing program, business accounting materials and an agriculture textbook. Academic discussions will include topics such as the new National CORE standards and implementation of the School Improvement Plan.

The Odessa School District mission statement encourages a partnership between the school, parents and community to provide the best possible education for our students. Please consider this an opportunity to become involved.