Civil Municipal - June 2024

project-based instructors in elementary schools. The strategy is aimed to reduce class sizes and promote small-group instruction, making it easier to address individual student needs. By employing parallel block scheduling, where a portion of students would engage in project-based learning while the remaining students received focused instruction, the district improved the effectiveness of its teaching methods. The approach allows teachers to diagnose and address learning gaps more efficiently, ensuring every student receives attention. Ellison shares the positive outcomes of this initiative. Since its implementation, the district has seen significant improvements in academic performance. The progress is particularly evident in the district’s lowest-performing elementary school in Chiloquin, which serves a significant NativeAmerican population. The principal’s successful implementation of small group instruction earned her the title of Principal of the Year for the state, highlighting the effectiveness of the district’s approach. In addition to these successes, the district has received various accolades. Randall was recognized as CTE Administrator of the Year, highlighting the district’s career and technical education achievements. Szymoniak emphasizes the importance of sharing successful practices across the district, fostering a collaborative rather than a competitive environment. The philosophy ensures that effective strategies are replicated, benefiting students throughout the district. INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS The district’s innovation goes beyond project- based learning. Noteworthy initiatives include an aerospace program collaborating with Kingsley Air Base, providing students with aviation and aerospace technology education. The district also boasts a strong robotics program, with several high schools participating in national competitions. The program benefits from a partnership with the Oregon Institute of Technology,where students and faculty collaborate with high school instructors, even extending robotics education into middle and elementary schools to foster early interest in coding and technology. Mazama High School health occupations students pose for a photo in front of the scheduling board at Sky Lakes Medical Center. Sky Lakes partners with the Klamath County School District to offer students a variety of options from job shadowing to a new program that includes on-the-job paid training in clinical and surgical rotations while in high school. 184 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 06