During a recent special meeting of the Battle Ground School District Board of Directors, educators passionately advocated for the adoption of the Wayfinder curriculum, emphasizing its potential to enhance student engagement and support teachers in their efforts to connect with students.

One teacher highlighted that the $53,000 investment in Wayfinder translates to approximately four hours of teacher time, a small price for the significant benefits it offers. Many teachers already dedicate more than four hours each year to improving their classrooms and fostering student skills. The curriculum is designed to be adaptable, allowing educators to tailor it to their specific classroom needs.

A prevention intervention specialist shared her experience, noting that Wayfinder provides ready-made activities that save her valuable time, enabling her to focus more on connecting with students. She emphasized the importance of building relationships, stating that connection is the best form of prevention for students facing academic and behavioral challenges.

Feedback from teachers indicated that the Wayfinder lessons have led to unprecedented engagement levels, with one teacher reporting that all students in her lowest academic class completed their assignments during these lessons. The curriculum's flexibility allows educators to adjust lesson durations, making it a versatile tool for various classroom activities.

As the meeting concluded, board members expressed gratitude for the educators' insights and stories, which underscored the positive impact of Wayfinder on student learning. The board plans to revisit the discussion in a future meeting, ensuring that the voices of teachers and their experiences continue to shape decisions that affect the community's educational landscape.