I was able to do an in-person audit for the Highland Community School District on March 30. I must admit it was nice to return to Iowa for the first time in over a year. This is one of my concluding activities while serving as a consultant for the district. I am very encouraged by many of things that I saw during my visit.

One of the most impressive things the district has focused upon in recent years that is really a gold star for the district has been their commitment to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). The district has moved forward in developing a very strong STEM-based curriculum program on the high school level. This includes unique programming in agriculture, coding, aerospace engineering and robotics. 

Calculus, physics, aerospace 1 & 2, Spanish 4 and coding all will have the highest numbers yet next year. Mr. Surine will also be doing a middle school Intro to Engineering course next year to use as a recruiting tool to robotics and aerospace engineering. A college-level or AP Statistics course is being added for next year. 

The first female taking the ACE program. The first female to complete Auto Academy. Twelve females participating in the engineering day with Collins Aerospace. All great things.

I am very impressed with what I saw with the agriculture program and the amazing growth in numbers since the program started four years ago. The greenhouse is being utilized really well. The program has integrated aquaponics, electricity and mechanics into the intro classes. Crops are still being grown. This is a great program. The instructor has done a great job applying for grant funds. The sequencing of courses is being tweaked and the program looks strong.

There are detailed plans for block scheduling set for the high school next year. This is a big change, but one I think for the better. The schedule will include eight period blocks of 82 minutes. Teachers will teach six of eight blocks, with one 82-minute prep every other day and one 42-minute prep with a duty every other day. This should help all electives numbers. 

The elementary work and strategies in reading are working well. Last winter, 51% of students were proficient, 42% were proficient after the return from COVID and 59% this winter. This is a very impressive growth in a short time and what makes it even more impressive is that it was achieved under the circumstances around COVID. The elementary staff spent a lot of time this last summer preparing for adjusted instruction and should be congratulated on what they were able to accomplish. The work around dyslexia is very impressive and has gained the district some positive notoriety.

There is no doubt that the district’s staff, administration and board have worked hard to provide students a quality education. The district can be proud of what they have done and are continuing to work hard to get even better. I appreciated the chance to visit the district again.

Mike Jorgenson served as Highland Community School District’s interim superintendent from 2017-18 and co-superintendent from 2018-19. Since 2109 he has served as a consultant to the district.