The West Hempstead Union Free School District aims to integrate instructional technology into well-designed learning experiences to create highly engaged academic environments where students drive their learning experiences.

We will share all the great technology work from the district and activities and tools you can use at home with the students.

The Designing Learning framework is an educational approach #WHe use to engage students and close the aspiration gap. The framework encompasses several key principles aimed at enhancing the learning experience for students and staff:

The Designing Learning framework consists of Connection Before Content, Acceleration not Remediation, Rethinking Success Criteria, Higher-Level Thinking, Student Agency, Authentic Work, and Technology Infusion.

Authentic Work: This principle advocates real-world relevance in educational activities. It suggests that students should work on tasks and projects that have meaning and application beyond the classroom, making learning more engaging and practical.

Community Garden Project: Students work collaboratively to plan, create, and maintain a community garden. They learn about biology, ecology, and sustainable practices while contributing to their local community. The project directly involves students in real-world environmental issues and provides a tangible outcome that benefits the community.

Entrepreneurship Challenge: Students form small business teams to develop a product or service, conduct market research, create a business plan, and present their ideas to a panel of local entrepreneurs. This project mirrors the challenges and processes involved in real-world entrepreneurship, exposing students to practical skills such as market analysis, teamwork, and effective communication.

Historical Preservation Initiative: Students research and document historical sites or artifacts in their local area. They create multimedia presentations or reports to raise awareness about the significance of these elements and propose ways to preserve them. Students engage with history in a meaningful way, connecting classroom learning to the preservation of their community's heritage.

Science Fair with Real-World Applications: Instead of traditional science fair projects, students identify real-world problems (e.g., pollution, renewable energy) and design experiments or solutions to address these issues. Students apply scientific principles to solve relevant problems, demonstrating the practical applications of their scientific knowledge.

Civic Engagement Campaign: Students select a social or environmental issue they are passionate about, research the topic, and design a campaign to raise awareness or advocate for change in their community. This project connects students to current events and encourages them to actively participate in civic life actively, fostering a sense of responsibility and engagement.

Media Production for Social Change: Students create videos, podcasts, or other media projects that address social issues such as bullying, diversity, or environmental conservation. They may share their work on social platforms or in school assemblies. By producing media content with a purpose, students develop communication skills while contributing to important conversations in society.

With "WHe" as our theme this year, #WHe are inspired to explore, discover, and achieve future wonders. Allow me to share some of the ways one could envision completing the idea of "WHe" throughout this remarkable journey:

• Wonder and Curiosity: Let us ignite a spark of wonder and curiosity in every aspect of our learning. Encouraging students and staff alike to question, explore, and seek knowledge beyond the ordinary.
• “WH”olistic Education: Emphasizing the growth of the whole individual – social, emotional, and academic. We aim to provide opportunities for personal development and well-being in addition to academic excellence.
• Empathy and Humanity: "WHe" stands for "We" as well, reminding us of our collective responsibility to foster empathy, compassion, and kindness. We will create a supportive and inclusive community where everyone feels valued.
• Waves of Change: As a theme, "WHe" also signifies the ever-changing tides of life. We will adapt to new challenges, embrace innovation, and be resilient in the face of uncertainty.
• Expressions of Art and Culture: "WHe" encompasses the essence of artistic and cultural expressions. We will celebrate creativity, appreciate diversity, and nurture talents in various forms.
• Wellness and Health: Prioritizing physical and mental health, creating a safe and nurturing environment where everyone can thrive and grow.
• Leadership and Collaboration: "WHe" represents collective wisdom and the power of collaboration. We will empower our students to be leaders in their own right while fostering teamwork and cooperation.

“The New York State Testing Program began transitioning to a computer-based testing model in 2016 when the New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) started using Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM). DLM is a computer-delivered adaptive assessment measuring a student’s achievement of the ELA and mathematics learning standards at a reduced level of depth, breadth, and complexity. This assessment provides the opportunity to customize the assessment to the individual abilities and needs of the student, is designed to measure a wide range of proficiencies of students, is more efficient to administer and score, and provides useful information to teachers to inform future instruction for the student. The NYSAA Science transitioned to DLM in spring 2018.

The transition to computer-based testing for the Grades 3-8 English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics testing program began with optional participation in computer-based field tests in 2016. This was followed by optional participation in CBT in the spring operational tests in 2017 and schools have been provided the opportunity to choose their testing format since that time.” - Betty A. Rosa, Commissioner

Please click here for more information.

By Art Costa, Bena Kallick, and Allison Zmuda

There is a growing recognition that mastering subject-area knowledge alone will not be sufficient to prepare your children for their futures. They will need deliberate practice and focused attention to grow their capacity as efficacious thinkers to navigate and thrive in the face of unprecedented change. Habits of Mind are a universal framework for thinking and are as essential now as when we first introduced them 30 years ago. Habits of Mind are dispositions people use when confronted with problems and situations to which answers are not immediately apparent. When we draw upon these intellectual resources, the results that are produced are more powerful, of higher quality and of greater significance than if we fail to employ those intellectual behaviors.

Email: drehman@whufsd.com
Website: www.whufsd.com
Location: 252 Chestnut Street, West Hempstead, NY,
Phone: 516-390-3000