BY MATT MACKINDER
Clarkston News Editor

Clarkston Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Shawn Ryan has always seen the district stand out when it comes to giving students and staff the ultimate academic experience.
Now, he wants to take it up a notch and put more of an emphasis on giving individual students tools they can use to improve academically and socially.
“In my 25 years with Clarkston Community Schools, our district has worked to differentiate our instruction and give students the resources they need to be successful,” Ryan said. “Instructional models, specifically in elementary math and literacy, are customized to each student’s own unique learning path and supported by classroom teachers and other resources as needed. Now, we are looking to use the information and data we have to bring a laser focus to targeting resources to specific student needs across the district.”

At the April 26 CCS Board of Education meeting, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services Nancy Mahoney introduced a five-year district initiative focused on providing equitable academic opportunities and outcomes for all students in Clarkston. The district is investing an additional $2.6 million dollars per year over five years to implement this plan.
“This ensures all of our resources are maximized and that each and every student will see additional supports and opportunities,” Ryan said.
“Clarkston’s equity plan was put into development over a year ago as part of the district’s strategic plan but was paused due to COVID. In the fall of 2021, we will begin implementing this necessary step toward achieving high levels of performance and consistency at all schools in our district.”
The district’s equity plan centers on raising the achievement bar for all students by addressing the following areas: multiple measures of achievement for all students, post-COVID support for all students, social-emotional structures for all students, achievement gaps associated with special populations (including but not limited to socioeconomically disadvantaged students, English language learners, students of color, special education students, and students needing extra help), evaluation of opportunity gaps, deployment of resources and supports based on need, programming and staffing, and staff professional learning.
Clarkston Community Schools will hire or reallocate 32 educators across the district to serve as literacy coaches, math coaches, literacy interventionists, math interventionists, and social-emotional interventionists. Additional aides and guest teachers will also be hired to provide classroom support. Small class sizes will be maintained, and additional interventions and experiential learning opportunities will be incorporated for all students.
“While we have identified the greatest needs at North Sashabaw Elementary, Andersonville Elementary, and Pine Knob Elementary, significant additional resources and efforts will support all elementary and secondary schools,” said Ryan. “I am eager to bring to bear this worthwhile investment to better support the needs of every learner in Clarkston.”