Madera High School Madera, California By: John Armes Director of Choir, Guitar, and Piano Madera High School

 Madera High School was founded in 1894 with a school and community climate of predominantly white families.  Over time, both the community and schools have had to make changes to accommodate the new population of students and community members which is now predominantly Hispanic.  The community is now predominantly Spanish speaking. History and Population

 Currently at MHS we offer four career pathway academies to prepare students for not only college but careers as well.  These pathways allow students to gain knowledge in the work force or college level courses.  Technology is used throughout the district with Cloud Computing and Mobile Learning to help all students achieve their educational goals.  The new school and district motto’s are: “Every Child, Every Day, Whatever it Takes” & “College and Career Ready” Current State

 Scenarios, when used correctly, can be a beneficial tool to administrators and those involved. Mietzner & Reger, (2005), stated that “scenarios should provide strategists with various possible futures and not forecast the future” (p. 220).  When examining the pros and cons of scenario based planning it is essential to realize that the primary down fall is the misuse by the organization utilizing them. To paraphrase Mietzner & Reger, (2005), if you do not check every individual detail of the scenario in multiple ways, the result may not be correct. Futuring with Scenarios

 Scanning is an essential piece when it comes to planning for the future. In Steps for Futuring (2004) Sobrero describes scanning as collecting observational and research-based data about environmental trends, issues, and changes from various databases.  Scanning not only assists in the development of scenarios but it also helps uncover the faults of the scenario. For example, it may uncover the lack of a resource in a scenario or a lack of funding in a scenario. The idea is to scan the scenario or idea when planning to ensure that all aspects of it are completely solid. Scanning

 According to an Educational case study, “Many respondents stressed opportunities that technology provides for acquiring problem-solving skills - either through instructional software designed to teach problem solving (including open-ended exploratory software such as LOGO) or through the many requirements for solving problems that naturally emerge when one is trying to use computer tools to accomplish a task (e.g., the selection of appropriate software, figuring out what to do when the system doesn't behave as you expect it to).” (Ed.gov Case) The firm belief is that education and technology will go hand in hand in the future and with the use of laptops, Ipads, and other technology Madera High School will thrive as well. Trends in Technology

 Budgeting is an essential piece when it comes to planning for the future. According to the American Association of School Administrators, “While the concept of budget is common across professional sectors and fields, the budget process in public schools has noticeable differences that impacts how districts allocate and prioritize their funds.” (AASA)  Every single dollar and cent is imperative in budgeting; one small mistake can cost an entire program in a massive way. For example, a lack of finding in music could cut the program for good. As we plan for our future we must look at the trend of costs and what is rising what is not. Trends in Budgeting/Policies

 As we prepare for what many see as impossible to predict, we find administrators and district personnel wondering how to prepare for the unpredictable. There are five ways in which the district can be a little more prepared for what is going to come. Scenario 2019

 The first thing administrators and district personnel need to do is sit down and analyze the facts.  For example, take a look at the current dropout rate at the high school, what do you see? Is this rate higher or less than the years prior? What is the socio- economic breakdown of this figure? The answer would probably be pretty easy to attain, however many things are not. Step 1

 The second thing the district can do is analyze data and formulate scenarios based on this data. Scenarios simply provide a situation to the district that is possible in the future. Scenarios could include an increase in English Learners, decreases in enrollment, lack of funding, or even something as simple as a lack of school busses. . Those scenarios then need to be played out; administrators need to formulate a plan of action coming from every single angle. Step 2

 The third thing that needs to be done is a planning session with the local government agencies such as city council, county office of education, and other city groups.  These meetings should consist of goal setting for all of those organizations as it relates to education and the future of education Step 3

 The fourth thing I would recommend is a study of the most recent census report. The census in this area can provide the administrators with a solid background regarding the growth of Madera and how it has grown in several various demographic areas. These areas will play a huge role in the future of the individual schools and the district as it relates to overall instruction and curriculum. Step 4

 The fifth thing that I would recommend is to develop a technology plan for the district and school. You have now developed plans and scenarios throughout the school and community, now you must guide those goals with tools for learning. Technology is relevant in all forms when it comes to education, whether used for lecturing or projects, they can be beneficial when used correctly. Step 5

 There are some concerns that the district currently has that need to be addressed immediately to ensure they are prepared in the future, they are:  Growing populations of English Learners  Lack of technology in classrooms throughout the school and district  Lack of community and school connections  Lack of funding to classroom teachers necessary for successful instruction  These four items are essential to growth in education and they need to be addressed immediately. Concerns in the District

 I would challenge you to go out right now and begin planning for the future by addressing these issues. The challenge is going to be tough, but the rewards will be worth the hard work. Successful growth in education is a rewarding future, and the tools are all available to whoever chooses to utilize them. I challenge you to always keep in mind your motto, “Every Child, Every Day, Whatever it Takes!” A Call to Action

 About Us / Mission Statement. (n.d.). About Us / Mission Statement. Retrieved March 14, 2014, from  American Association of School Administrators. (n.d.). Budgeting. Retrieved April 13, 2014, fromhttp://  Census Bureau Homepage. (n.d.). Census Bureau Homepage. Retrieved March 16, 2014, from  Education Next. (n.d.). RSS. Retrieved April 13, 2014, from  Johnson, L., Adams Becker, S., Cummins, M., Estrada V., Freeman, A., and Ludgate, H. (2013). NMC Horizon Report: 2013 K-12 Edition. Austin, Texas: The New Media Consortium.  Mietzner, D., & Reger, G. (2005). Advantages and disadvantages of scenario approaches for strategic foresight. Int. J. Technology Intelligence and Planning, 1(2), Retrieved from  Reasons For Bringing Technology Into Schools. (n.d.). Reasons for Bringing Technology Into Schools. Retrieved April 11, 2014, from  School Profile / MHS History. (n.d.). School Profile / MHS History. Retrieved March 14, 2014, from  Sobrero, P. (2004). The steps for futuring. Journal of Extension, 42(3). Retrieved from  Strategic Foresight. (n.d.). KnowledgeWorks. Retrieved April 13, 2014, from foresight References