Shaffer Elementary School District Announces New Teaching Model

A SusanvilleStuff Feature

by Melissa Blosser, Assistant Editor

Students of today require experiences, opportunities, and skills that will better prepare them for their future. Superintendent/Principal of Schaffer School, Terri Abel is introducing a new instructional model entitled 21^st Century Education, to better educate the students of today preparing them for their future success in the changing dynamics of the 21^st century.

Shaffer Student Katie Parady collaborates with a student from France via skype.

“Some of the jobs that exist today will be obsolete by the time our elementary school students graduate high school.  Other jobs that will exist have not yet been created, future technologies not yet invented, and future issues and problems not yet been conceived,” said Abel.   “This is a great challenge and I believe our job as educators is to insure we provide students with the best tools possible for their success.”

Superintendent/Principal Abel is leading the efforts at Shaffer Elementary School in providing a 21^st Century teaching model.  Although the model is new to Lassen County, schools throughout California and the rest of the nation is already shifting to this educational concept.

“In a rapidly changing world we can no longer keep education status quo and the traditional approach of instruction is no longer effective.  If we continue down the traditional path, we are stifling the student’s ability to explore, create, and problem-solve,” said Abel.

With rumors floating around the community about Shaffer School, Ms. Abel is eager to provide correct information to the public about the positive changes that are occurring.  According to Abel, Shaffer School is dedicated to being the pioneer of uncovering and implementing new ways of teaching and learning in Lassen County that will help students prepare for the needs of today’s world and  for the students’ future.

“By remaining trapped in our current educational practice students are being hindered, not helped,” said Abel. “Why would we want to continue to place students in a box that no longer is applicable?”

Typically students remain locked in a particular grade because of their chronological age and birthdate. According to Abel, Shaffer Elementary School will be providing alternative solutions to better meet the individualized needs of each child.  This new approach will no longer hold back students who are ready to excel and be challenged while also providing opportunities for students who are requiring intervention and repetition in order to experience academic success.

Soon to be first grader, Aiden Baldwin, demonstrates his math abilities utilizing interactive technology.

According to Abel this new 21^st Century Education liberates learning and involves rigorous and relevant curriculum which promotes hands-on problem-solving and creative work.  21^st Century Education provides learning tools, as well as incorporates technology, to better prepare students for their future while providing flexibility for different learning style. This model will also provide choices to the students in order to accurately assess their abilities.

For more information Shaffer Elementary School will be hosting two informational ‘town hall’ style meetings to introduce this new and innovative concept to the parents of Lassen County.  All parents of Shaffer Elementary School students, as well as other interested individuals, are strongly encouraged to attend one of the following meetings:

• Thursday, August 9, 2012 @ 6:00 p.m. in the Shaffer School Board Room or Monday.
•  August 13, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. in the Leavitt Lake Park gazebo.

For any questions regarding the meetings or to schedule an individual appointment please contact Shaffer Elementary School at (530)254-6577.

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