When the community speaks, the Knox County Public Schools listen.
During the past year, our district has been conducting surveys and public input forums to discuss why change is necessary in shaping the future direction of our schools and our community.
The workplace and global economy have been rapidly changing and we are preparing students for jobs that don’t exist, yet. Now more than ever, the educational experience must not only provide for the acquisition of rigorous academic content, but it must also be more intentional about fostering critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, and other 21st century skills our young people need to thrive in this complex, rapidly changing world.
What’s Next?
With the feedback in hand, it is time to paint the picture. At the August 2019 Opening Day assembly for teachers and staff, we introduced the first component of the portrait: communication.
Communication: What They Told Us
Two-way communication, eye contact, being able to greet and carry a conversation, telephone etiquette, listening to and accepting new ideas, appropriate use of technology, participate in and/or conduct meetings, interview skills, and many more communication related issues were addressed by employers, organizational and government leaders.
Communication: What We Are Doing
In the upcoming weeks we have challenged our teachers to be intentional on including communication skills in their lessons and activities. That is not enough. We will be seeking public input on what communication skills look like for a thriving 21 century Knox County, State, and World.