Program recommendations for 2012-1013
At the last board meeting I highlighted several suggestions for program changes next year. Here is a synopsis:
Schedules- We will continue to work on schedules and ask for feedback from parents and teachers. Obviously schedules dictate staff and the ability to deliver different programs. The biggest change for next year will be to return the MS to a secondary schedule of 8- 51 minute periods.
Science – We are proposing changing our Pre-K-grade 7 science curriculum and program. In Meadow and Hampton we will look to implement “Kid Knowledge” (www.kidknowledge.com) a hands on, literacy rich, science program specifically designed for early learners. We will continue this program at Jackson Avenue and to enhance the program we will add a laboratory experience for all students. Jackson will return to a 6 day cycle and children will receive, Physical education 3x, music 2x, art 1x and science 1x. We will create a new science lab that allows children to explore science topics that they have learned and read about in class. A similar experience will occur at the Middle School. All students will cycle through a science lab 2x a week and have the ability to get a deeper understanding of science content from an experience science teacher. In addition, all 7th grade students will have a lab attached to the science class every other day.
Art- All students will have at least one period of art K-7
Music- we will add the ability for all 3rd students to begin an instrument.
Academically Gifted Program (AGP) – I offered a proposal to the Board to change the focus of this program. Currently we admit roughly 10% per grade and the children receive an hour a day instruction. When you examine the COGATS scores of the children in the district very few (about 5 per grade) fit the definition of ‘gifted’ as outlined by the COGATS. In addition to the current program I proposed creating a multi-grade class in the MS for truly gifted students, to accelerate them in the content areas of science and math. I further recommended that we revisit the criteria for admittance into the AGP program for future students.
This is a bold agenda that re-invests some of our financial savings back into programs for our students. I look forward to hearing feedback
I attended the Budget / Meet the Candidates Meeting last night and a Spanish Immersion program for the early grades is included in that budget. Why is it not mentioned here?
I am concerned that this will be a “fad” program requiring great cost without long term benefits and it will be “dropped” or phased out after a few years.. In this tough economic time, I would like to know the cost involved- did we receive a grant? I know of a neighboring district that is phasing this program out after trying it for a few years. We may want to speak to them before forging forward.
I think it is great that as a result of the reconfiguration and consolidation, we are not only able to maintain program, but are able to consider enhancements as well. However, this has to be done at the same time as containing costs. I would like to see a balance of adding to our programs without spending too much. In my opinion, I think we should consider adding things that will benefit the most children (ie: the Science initiatives, increased art and music) while maintaining a tax levy that does not exceed the 2% cap.
Allow me to clarify my comment. I certainly understand that the educational choice that each family makes for their child is personal and unique. I definitively agree that we should be offering the “best possible education” for all, as Ms. Heckelman states. That being said, I still believe that the district should conduct an analysis on it’s gifted students, retention rates, and outcomes before going forward with such a radical mulit-grade program. No program change in this district should be passed without thorough research to explore all options and possible consequence.
It should not matter whether a student and their parents choose the Mineola High School or another institution of learning, Mineola should be offering the BEST POSSIBLE EDUCATION for ALL…at ALL TIMES! We should be educating the child for THEIR sake…to see them become better learners, flourish and make a positive impact on our society.
Our children are sponges – give them all the information they can handle…and more!
Science lab exposure…great idea! Children love “hands on”.
Computer education…children create a digital image of material learned in the classroom….wonderful!!
AGP as it currently is…probing the minds of the high acheivers, the students that constantly think abstract, not necessarily to create an INTEL winner but to challenge their already strong academic core with analysis and evaluation of a variety of topics.
I am concerned about the fruitfulness of a multi grade AGP at the middle school level. Grouping 5th, 6th and 7th graders together for most of the day, I believe, might have a negative social impact on these truly gifted 15 students.
Lastly, recess. We all need a break… an unchoreographed break… students and teachers alike. Kids need to run and play and argue and resolve outside of a classroom setting. Thank you.
Lori and Linda: I love you each. And you know I love MHS. I have also been disappointed when one of our eighth-graders chooses another high school. But sometimes kids have their own placement needs, as I just posted elsewhere on this blog about the reverse scenario. (re: why many do not have the MUFSD K-12 experience; parent make adjustments and shift their kids out of private schools.)
In either direction, some children may need adjustment in placement. Adolescents often need a social change. Families change, and they may find some restoration in the culture of a religious school, or relief from tuition in public school. Some kids need to get away from comparison to a sib or cousin and need to move in either direction. Or they seek more specifically competitive music or sports programs. And some kids don’t have a great experience in Mineola Schools. This is not the ROTC. We cannot hold the expense for their AGP for ransom any more than we would for a student in the Resource Room. All children in our District are entitled to our very best. Having seen two daughters through two systems, I know that each has much to learn from the other.
Linda Ramos has a valid point regarding the AGP program. The district should consider doing an analysis of how many of our “truly gifted” students continue their education in the MUFSD after benefiting from our current AGP program….BEFORE we proceed with a new, innovative, multi-grade program for the Middle School.
With regard to the AGP program, I totally agree with re-evaluating the acceptance process. As far as the approximately 15 children that would meet the criteria for acceptance into the multi-grade class, I am very curious to know if there is anyway to figure out from the past, how many of our “truly gifted” students continued their education in the Mineola Public School system passed Middle School.
My concern in regards to the multi grade AGP idea is that those students in the top 5% will be limited in exposure to the “regular” students. I wonder if this limited exposure would be detrimental to their social skill learning. I heard you say the class would go to lunch and gym with their homeroom, I think too much of the same thing/same children might not be a good thing.
The current AGP program will remain as it is. If we move ahead with a multi grade class it will be an additional teacher.
What will happen to those presently in the AGP program who are not the top 5 of their respective grades?
Teachers will still bring classes to the computer lab but it will not be a ‘prep’
You mention Phys. Ed., Art, Music, and Science….no mention of a Computer Class. My children receive one on one work of computer education 2x a week now with Mrs. Shear and I fear that NO mention = NO Class. What a shame it would be…..my children are teaching ME various computer applications.
We typically finialize technology purchses and intiatives in late April and early May.
In your program synopsis for the 2012-2013 school year, I see no mention of the computer program. I am looking for information concerning my future 3rd and 4th grade children. Thank you.