Pattonville is one of several districts in the St. Louis region selected to partner with Saint Louis University (SLU) on a program that gives educators from Saudi Arabia a view of what effective education looks like in schools with a diverse student population. SLU received a grant from the Saudi Arabian Ministry's Educational Improvement Initiative, a program which sends selected Saudi professional educators to spend six months in school districts that are known for excellence and student performance. During the program, Saudi educators work closely with SLU education faculty and school district leaders to study evidence-based, effective educational leadership practices. Based on their experiences, Saudi participants create a major improvement project to use in their schools, districts and country when they return home. Dr. Tim Pecoraro, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, said being a partner in the program affords Pattonville staff a unique opportunity. “Participating in the program allows Pattonville staff the opportunity to meet educators from another country and discuss a variety of topics related to instructional practices, curriculum and leadership,” he said. “Pattonville is a high-performing, diverse district, which is a strength for us. Sharing how we educate our diverse student population in ways that lead to high levels of achievement will help our guest educators do the same for their own students. We also have the opportunity to build understanding with people from another country and use that deeper knowledge to better serve the students in our classroom who come from the same or a similar culture.” Pattonville is joined this fall by Belleville, Kirkwood, Mehlville, Ritenour and Webster Groves school districts in serving as SLU partner districts, where Saudi participants observe, discuss and reflect on effective school improvement initiatives and the practices of the effective school district leaders. The Saudi Arabian grant partnership program has also been implemented with Kent State and Oakland University in the U.S. as well as universities and partner schools in Australia, Canada and Finland. Back To News