What 'Good Enough' Really Means
It is often worth considering how we determine what is "good enough" for our schools, particularly when going beyond "good enough" requires time and energy.
When it comes to education-and education in the Merrill area specifically-what does it really mean to be "good enough?"
Answering this question means understanding what education is really all about. A great school district serves a community not only by providing students with the knowledge and skills that they need to be good citizens, but also by teaching them the things that they need to succeed in their chosen careers.
Every year, MAPS graduates go on to four-year colleges and universities, technical colleges, apprenticeships, military service, and directly into the workforce. As a district, we must ensure that these graduates are prepared for the next steps in their lives, no matter what they do.
That is why, in addition to offering students sound educational basics, such as mathematics, English, social studies, and science, MAPS provides students with career and technical offerings, such as welding, trade apprenticeships, and other school-to-career programs.
Our focus on connecting school and work is one that not only benefits our graduates but our local economy, which is more important now than ever.
At MAPS, we understand that jobs are changing, and that this means that we as a school district must change. We are ensuring that our students have advanced computer, communications, and large- and small-group work skills. Finally, we understand that one of the most important capabilities that any graduate can have, no matter their chosen field, is the ability to learn and relearn as jobs and the economy develop.
In this era of great change, it takes great effort to continue raising the bar for what our students should know and be able to do. Despite this challenge, we know that coasting is not an option.
While we will continue to be smart in our efforts, stretching every single dollar that taxpayers invest in our schools, we must keep our sights set not only on what our students need now, but in the future, ensuring that our students have skills that are good enough for whatever is to come.
When it comes to education-and education in the Merrill area specifically-what does it really mean to be "good enough?"
Answering this question means understanding what education is really all about. A great school district serves a community not only by providing students with the knowledge and skills that they need to be good citizens, but also by teaching them the things that they need to succeed in their chosen careers.
Every year, MAPS graduates go on to four-year colleges and universities, technical colleges, apprenticeships, military service, and directly into the workforce. As a district, we must ensure that these graduates are prepared for the next steps in their lives, no matter what they do.
That is why, in addition to offering students sound educational basics, such as mathematics, English, social studies, and science, MAPS provides students with career and technical offerings, such as welding, trade apprenticeships, and other school-to-career programs.
Our focus on connecting school and work is one that not only benefits our graduates but our local economy, which is more important now than ever.
At MAPS, we understand that jobs are changing, and that this means that we as a school district must change. We are ensuring that our students have advanced computer, communications, and large- and small-group work skills. Finally, we understand that one of the most important capabilities that any graduate can have, no matter their chosen field, is the ability to learn and relearn as jobs and the economy develop.
In this era of great change, it takes great effort to continue raising the bar for what our students should know and be able to do. Despite this challenge, we know that coasting is not an option.
While we will continue to be smart in our efforts, stretching every single dollar that taxpayers invest in our schools, we must keep our sights set not only on what our students need now, but in the future, ensuring that our students have skills that are good enough for whatever is to come.
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