FT. GAY TEACHERS TACKLE ALIGNMENT OF CURRICULUM

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     The Russia School in America was the catalyst that brought the entities together. Students and teachers from Korolev were hosted by educators and citizens from Ft. Gay in Wayne County. Simultaneously, Ft. Gay Elementary was very involved in designing their School to Work Site Plan and concentrating on the technology section.  Everything just seemed to click.  The questions began: Russia has a 98% literacy level. Without a plethora of hardware, they are still world leaders in developing software. What are they doing in their schools to cause this success? What can we learn from their educational system? What can they learn from our system? How can we join the best of both systems so that our children benefit from the combined knowledge?  
Participants take a break after a work session Led by the principal, JoAnn Hurley, a team of 8 educators and community leaders from Ft. Gay left for Korolev for an eight day educational mission. Joining them on January 8, 1998 were Jean Cary Davis and Virginia Simmons from the State Department of Education and Rick Remish from Senator Rockefeller's Washington office.
     The delegation toured schools, observed classes, met with educational and community leaders and prepared themselves for the task of comparing curriculum. Teachers from The Russia School met with the educators from Ft. Gay. A brief description of the educational organization was presented by each team, then small teams were organized according to various subject areas. The teachers from West Virginia were able to use the newly adopted Instructional Goals and Objectives (a statewide curriculum). The teachers from Russia used their long-term Russian national curriculum. Each team began with 1st grade, 1st semester and outlined key learning objective for their particular area. For example, the math team outlined the benchmark objectives that are expected by the end of the 1st grade, 1st semester. As the Russians and West Virginians discussed their expectations, they also shared many of their teaching techniques and pedagogical training.
     Was this exchange successful?  First, the reader must understand that the process was more important than the product. Teachers had to talk to each other; had to discuss issues; had to defend, question and create a new dialogue. This was not a simple trading of curriculum outlines - that could have been done by mail. The process was extremely important. Yet, these task-committed teams were able to accomplish success in the process and create a product. The team from Ft. Gay Elementary now has information for grades 1, 2, and part of grade 3. They have provided research and solid information in an area that has not been available to American teachers before this exchange. Being in the space city of Korolev, Russia, these teachers could be compared to Sergey Korolev, the founder of the Russian space program. They were willing to venture into uncharted courses. They took risks and understood their tasks. Coincidentally, Korolev's Birthday was celebrated while the team was in Russia working on this new curriculum alignment.
     The teachers from Russia and Ft. Gay were impressed with what they learned. Comments from both sides included statements that proclaimed new ideas and changes to improve the present delivery of instruction.
     NEXT STEPS:  publish what was found and then continue alignment throughout the grade levels. Establish links through technology that allow for a continuous discussion for students and teachers. Plan for students to have more live interaction - the children of today are tomorrow.
     The Foundation salutes these industrious educators from southern West Virginia. They truly want to make a difference for their children. Our job, as adults, is to make the road wider and smoother for those who will follow us. Navigating the road between Ft. Gay and Korolev has become much easier.
    Although the group work hard and was very productive, they took some time to experience and enjoy Russian culture and hospitality.