ACCELERATING THE CLASSROOM EXPERIENCE Westfield Washington Schools integrates technology as a functional tool rather than a standalone objective. Students utilize 1:1 devices, including Chromebooks and interactive touchscreen boards, to facilitate daily lessons. Dr. Atha explains that hardware serves to enhance instructional methods.“We use technology as an accelerator of learning, not as the focus itself. It allows our students to engage with material in new ways.” This early exposure includes specialized STEM curricula like Project Lead the Way. “At the elementary level, we have makerspaces and robotics programs. We want students to experience hands-on Administrative philosophy emphasizes decentralized solving of problems, empowering those closest to students to make critical decisions. Modern management principles align with this approach by reducing the time between identifying a challenge and implementing a solution.“We want to empower our frontline educators. When a student struggles, the team works together for a solution rather than waiting for a centralized mandate,” Dr. Atha says, emphasizing that this collaborative ecosystem is essential for developing versatile graduates. “Our goal is to ensure our students are well educated. We want critical thinkers who can adapt to any professional environment.” 218 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
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