submitted by Meghan Tice
Mr. Fred Hutchinson joins the Berlin Central School District as the Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. [private]He works with teachers to understand student data and use it to help strengthen curriculum and instructional practices throughout the District.
Hutchinson has held a variety of positions in public education, including teaching, administration and regional support. While working at Questar III BOCES in the Regional School Support Center, he traveled to school districts across New York State and helped them understand data, review instructional practices, and develop and implement improvement plans.
“We are pleased to have a new curriculum and instruction leader to assist us as we continue to improve our K-12 academic programs,” said the superintendent, Dr. Stephen Young. “Mr. Hutchinson’s instructional technology experience and his high energy level have already led to a reorganization and prioritization of our District Technology Committee.”
One of Hutchinson’s goals is to move toward a data-driven instructional model. This means using data analysis to figure out what works and what does not work in the classroom.
“Mr. Hutchinson is working closely with administrators as we begin a curriculum review cycle and professional development initiatives,” said Dr. Young.
In addition to working with administrators, Hutchinson also has plans to develop new committees such as a Curriculum Committee, which would establish a regular curriculum review panel to identify gaps and potential ways to fill them.
“I want to help teachers build assessments into the curricula, particularly math and science,” said Hutchinson. “To strengthen the curriculum we should build it together rather than top-down.”
He also hopes to put together a data committee in order to review each school’s need, as well as the district as a whole.
“I look forward to working with Mr. Hutchinson as we strive to provide an excellent education program for all Mountaineer students,” said Dr. Young.[/private]