Apart from that the district will also be making efforts to support the teachers in the district by making ground breaking programs for its professional support for teachers. The program uses professional learning communities. Currently there are 69 programs at community level across the district, seven to 10 each high school and about four in each elementary or middle school. (U.S. Dept of Defense, 1995)
In each of the community there is a facilitator from a consulting firm, these facilitators were hired four years ago to launch the program and train the teachers during five professional development days. The state grants each district along with two-early-release days. Between those meetings, each community meets to review the material and develop plans to apply the principles, such as second chances for students in the classroom.
The Kanawha district school has also come up with innovative programs meant to assist the students excel and have outstanding performances. Talented students with outstanding performances, or have been identified to be potential performers at high levels of accomplishments are identified and given enriched instructions. Each school has instructions tailored for students identified as gifted and talented. In addition to local school offering, MCPS offers a selection of specialized programs.
The other innovative thing that has been put forward by the Kanawha County School systems is the provision of the summer foodservice program. The program will provide free breakfast and lunch to students 18 and younger. Those that are 18 and over will be charged $3 for breakfast and $4 for lunch. The summer menu is on a two-week rotating schedule. The meals will provide the nutritional value and it will be easily packaged and transported to the students. Meals that will be provided include foods such as nachos with beef and cheese, corndogs, chicken tenders, hamburgers, macaroni...
Some of the sites will provide sustenance for a student's mind as well.
Some offer tutoring after breakfast is served, and others allow for a short recess is there is a playground. Other innovative methods adopted include: finding innovative ways to train staff with SafeSchools' Award-Winning System, Delivering Essentials Staff Training in Kanawha and Wood County Schools. Administrators take staff training, policy acceptance, and compliance reporting online to maximize budget dollars.
Apart from that, Kanawha district has made very remarkable achievements in various categories. One of the Kanawha achievement include the Electric & Machine, the Charleston-based company specializing in industrial electric motor repair. The project will boost the development and growth of the community. This is not only development for Kanawha Electric but for the Kanawha valley. This achievement will boost the region's economic and community development.
In addition Kanawha has been in position to partner with AEL and African-American Community to provide ways and narrow the gap that exists between African-American and White students being served by the district. There are also efforts being done to engage members of the African-American community and a school district administration dialogues on race and education.
Works Cited
Banks J. (2001) Cultural Diversity an Education: Foundations, Curriculum, and Teachings, Virginia, Pheley
Charles E, (2007) County Reports and Maps Kanawha, West Virginia Geological Survey,
Hirst, P. & White, P. (1998) Philosophy of Education: Society and Education, Virginia, Pheley
U.S Dept of Defense, (1995) Navigation Charts, Kanawha River, Huntingoton District/U.S. Army Engineer District, U.S., Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army
