Margaret Hendrickson, Director of Instruction and Curriculum, emphasizes, “Our vision today really talks about each and every learner exploring their passions and interests and getting ready for their future, making sure that every student has equitable opportunities.” REDEFINING THE VISION Hendrickson notes that a shift in FPS’s mission and vision came about post pandemic, as the district worked to redefine teaching and learning, and what that meant for them. “We recognized we had to change how we behaved as an organization,” she expands.“Our mission is about making sure we have a safe environment for each and every adult in the organization to investigate, reflect, innovate, and share their stories. It’s only through that that we’re going to grow and be able to get to that future aspiration of our vision.” She adds that the district has intentionally changed its language to focus more on student learning.“If we want to prepare kids for college and career, and we want to integrate technology and career readiness K-12, we have to not only think about how we’re designing instruction, but what type of learning we want kids to do.” TECHNOLOGY AS A TOOL When it comes to technology, FPS’s focus is on using it to enhance collaboration and problem solving. “One of our first pieces in moving towards STEM, STEAM and technology integration was the core access to the technology,” Hendrickson remarks.“We had to think strategically about what kind of tools we would bring in. So we talked a lot about production apps that get kids thinking about their ideas, sharing, and collaborating.” Notably, Farmington Public Schools has taken a forward looking stance on artificial intelligence, integrating it into the classroom experience. “We have an intense group of teacher leaders and central office leaders learning about AI and developing foundational messaging for our organization about the different ways teachers, administrators, and students can use the tools as a support, not a barrier,” she shares.“We actually think AI will allow us to get to the place we need to go for our vision and mission, because our students are going to be experiencing and using it in career and college, and daily as they already are.” The district also chose to work with Michigan Virtual, learning how to provide safe and vetted access to AI. “There were many in our county that wanted to shut it down and ban it. We do not believe that that 257 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 11 FARMINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
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