| Focus Group 5/6 Specials; Specials offered to Upper Elementaries | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Mar 15 2006, 07:17 AM (3,017 Views) | |
| Cindi | Mar 15 2006, 07:17 AM Post #1 |
Principal
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Special Update for the 5/6 Upper Elementary: Specials will be "comparable to current", they may look different, but as promised they will be expanded and enhanced!! PE will be part of the weekly curriculum, it will be "expanded/enhanced" from the current program. Instrumental music will be offered to both 5th and 6th graders---BUT this is an "option". Another words, you will have the option to take either Instrumental music or _________________.(fill in the blank..answer to come April 12th) The blank line symbolizes "whatever special" they elect to put in that spot---based from the input from the parents at tonight's meeting. The options were: Studio Art - basically art class they have now Computer Graphics - somewhat of an art class with use of technology Information Technology - a more enhanced version of computer class, may include keyboarding, web design, use of scanners, digital cameras, wireless labs, slide shows, gathering of multimedia resources etc. Vocal/general music - basically music they have now Exploratory World Language - intro to 4 different foreign languages (Spanish, French, German and Japanese), the cultures, traditions, holidays, family unit etc. The program's aim is not communicative proficiency but to motivate the student to future participation in a world language program by exposing the student to world languages and cultures. We listened to the panel (which consisted of the head of depts. in music, art, Information Technology, PE and Language Arts. All dept heads "read the hand out that was given to us". Then we broke up into approximately 20 groups of 8-10 people and each of us gave an answer and a bit of discussion on the following 4 questions. (the entire brainstorming was from 8-9 PM…8 people or more in a group, elaborating on 41/2 questions, we each had 1 minute to talk per question). 1. As you were listening to the presentation tonight, what do you think should be considered when determining these specials options for 5th and 6th graders? 2. For those students who choose not to take instrumental music, what special do you think should be offered as an alternative and why? 3. A. Which special would you most like to see offered to all 5th graders and why? 3. B. Which special would you most like to see offered to all 6th graders and why? 4. Are there other thoughts about any of the classes that you heard presented tonight that you would like to share as we consider the specials? My personal feelings are: IF we have to go through all of this I vote for enhanced IT programs over world languages. Technology is where our future is going. I also think if LPS wanted to be more innovative they should offer a foreign language such as Spanish in the 1st grade as part of the core curriculum. As for World Language, if this option is chosen it would be important that all languages are offered at the 7th grade level and not 8th grade as it stands currently. I would imagine this would require more teachers with specific foriegn language backgrounds to be placed at each Middle School and in the High Schools. It is my understanding that all 4 languages are not offered at each Middle and High schools currently. LMC is not going to be a "special class"--- it will be part of the teachers duty to take the class to the LMC to pick out books etc. This is dissappointing considering that LPS is implementing new software to their Media Centers, I wonder how this software will be introduced to the children? String music will not be offered as an option next year. There was no confirmation of "how many" specials would be offered. They did say there would be a special each day… The facilitator in the group that I was assigned to said there would be PE twice a week and Instrumental Music/_____________(fill in the blank) twice a week---however, I did not hear Ms. Sheila Allies say that in her prepared speech. Maybe I missed it?! Another interesting note: Anne Owens discussed the importance of Exploratory World Language (I guess she is the head of this dept or one of the heads)…she went on about "RESEARCH" She reads into RESEARCH! She talked about "Higher academic achievements and research showed that SAT increased in the area of language with each 1/2 yr of study the student had. She talked about the "process". Keep in mind……….some of these "specials" might end up as after school "clubs" too. Overall, the focus groups were interesting and informative. Meaning that it was good to hear parents thoughts and ideas. This is an avenue that should be explored more in LPS in the future. Parents like to be part of the decision process. |
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| parentsw/power | Mar 15 2006, 08:04 AM Post #2 |
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Thank you Cindi for you in depth information regarding last night's meeting. I appreciate the info. |
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| maxcoz | Mar 15 2006, 08:55 AM Post #3 |
Principal
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Thanks for the info, I wasnt able to make it last night |
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| Iliveon-Levandownbytheriver | Mar 15 2006, 08:57 AM Post #4 |
Principal
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Cindi.... I agree with you. If Anne Owen stated that the kids benefit so highly from foreign language......then why not introduce it earlier! Alot of other districts offer foreign language starting in 1st or 2nd grade! Also I find very distrubing that there is no scheduled LMC time? Isnt reading a VERY important part of learning! And what about accelerated reading program? Do some schools have that? I think that is a very nice program for the kids to have. Seems to me....you have to pick and choose your classes...seems like middle school a little bit to me! |
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| NFarquharson | Mar 15 2006, 09:01 AM Post #5 |
Principal
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I agree. It's not at all what it sounded like originally. The loss of dedicated library time is not a good thing. Many specials being considered sound the same as what they have. Looks like trading library and recess for instumental music and enhanced computer lab class. Language class sounds like fluff to me. |
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| grantmom | Mar 15 2006, 09:15 AM Post #6 |
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Principal
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No the kids will not be picking their specials....the only thing they get to choose is whether they want to take instrumental music, if they choose not to take IM then whatever special the district picks is the class they will get. So whoever pick IM will head of to IM the other students will go to "________" (to be choosen by LPS). |
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| jodygirlh | Mar 15 2006, 09:20 AM Post #7 |
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How are they getting away with having LMC only once every 2-3weeks. Seems like a cut in services to accomodate the 'specials', just like the recess cut. They sold this program on the enhanced services for the 5/6. There is no enhancement, just a trade off. (more lies,lies,lies) Unbelieveable-I cannot believe ANYONE can have faith in this admin or BOE. Everything is a big BAIT AND SWITCH- the $, the programs, the buildings. |
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| fyi | Mar 15 2006, 09:53 AM Post #8 |
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Their "specials" for the 5/6 schools are no different that what they have now. In fact, it appears, that by giving students a choice of one or the other, they are taking away from what is currently offered. Nothing innovative or special here---BAIT AND SWITCH! |
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| Cindi | Mar 15 2006, 09:59 AM Post #9 |
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Principal
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THAT IS CORRECT. IT STILL WILL BE AN ELEMENTARY SETTING, THEY WILL NOT GET TO CHOOSE FROM THESE CLASSES. THESE CLASSES WERE FOR THE FEEDBACK FROM THE PARENTS...WHO LIKES WHAT AND WHY AND LPS WILL DECIDE WHAT WILL BE OFFERED. |
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| Cindi | Mar 15 2006, 10:02 AM Post #10 |
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Principal
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Jody--They did not say they will have LMC every 2-3 weeks. There will be no LMC as the children receive now as a "special". We were told that LMC was added this year to the 5th and 6th graders because of the decrease in PE. I was not aware that LMC was not a special for 5th and 6th graders in the past, my oldest is in 4th now. The teachers will have LMC as part of their weekly schedule I assume. |
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| Elisa | Mar 15 2006, 10:06 AM Post #11 |
Principal
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Cindi, Did they elaborate on the IM program? Which instruments would be offered? |
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| Cindi | Mar 15 2006, 10:25 AM Post #12 |
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Principal
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Yes. The 5th graders would have the option of using a district provided instrument at no cost to the student or they can provide their own. What is available at no cost: flute, clarinet, saxaphone, trumpet and trombone. The 6th grade students will need to rent or purchase their instrument of choice. The next paragraph states possible instrument choices would be: flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, tombone and baritone. After re-reading the pamplet handed out last night, the wording is a bit confusing. I read in one area that the district offers instruments at no costs, then it states that 6th graders will need to rent or purchase then it states "possible instrument choices". Here, I will just type it. Students will have the opportunity to select to take IM. Students choosing IM in the 5th grade would have the option of using a district provided instrument at no cost to the student. The district instruments available at no cost are: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet and trombone. Students choosing IM in the 6th grade will need to rent or purchase their instrument of choice. Students who have the desire to be in the program, but who do not have the ability to rent or purchase an instrument, should speak to the principal and music educator. Students choosing IM will learn to play a wind/band instrument. The IM class will cover a variety of wind/band instruments in both 5th and 6th grade. Possible intrument choices would be: flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone and baritone. Students choosing to play a wind/band instrument will learn to: Assemble and take care of their instrument properly. Play their instrument with a quality sound Read music Perform as an ensemble in concerts throughout the year Use proper performance and audience etiquette. IM increases a student's skills and knowledge in the area of music. Students will experience personal growth and achievement while discovering their own musical abilities as they learn to work toward a common goal of a band performance. These classes offer preparation for continued music opportunities at the secondary level. The benefits of engaging students in music at an early age are numerous. Music education ecourages individuals to become lifelong consumers of music and well rounded individuals with diverse experiences. |
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| Elisa | Mar 15 2006, 10:37 AM Post #13 |
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Thank you Cindi for taking the time to give all of this info!
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| Michelebel | Mar 15 2006, 12:05 PM Post #14 |
Principal
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Cindi, I interpreted the instrument choices this way: Children can learn the following instruments: flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone and baritone. The district will provide free-of-charge to 5th graderes: flute, clarinet, saxaphone, trumpet and trombone only. So if your 5th grader wants to learn flute, it will be provided; if he wants to learn french horn, oboe or baritone, you have to provide the instrument but they will provide the lesson. 6th graders can also choose flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone and baritone, but they will have to provide the instrument themselves (rented or purchased). It was a good session; lots of feedback about not wanting to give up recess, making suggestions about having a special offered for one semester and a different one the following semester, which ones were more important or meaningful, etc. It was stated that this is NOT like middle school where kids get to pick electives; the children will not have a choice (other than instrumental vs. ???) The choices of what specials will be offered and how often will be made by administration. Library was mentioned: it will not be a "special" as it is now, teachers will simply take their children to the library each week to select books. They made it clear that they would be gathering all of the comments, and sharing the information with everyone once it is captured and analyzed, so we can all see what was decided upon by the focus groups. |
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| jodygirlh | Mar 15 2006, 12:06 PM Post #15 |
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Cindi, I have been told this several times by several different people, including staff. Teachers will be scheduled to go to library every 2-3 weeks! This is BAIT & SWITCH Take away recess, art, vocal music, library, IT as daily and weekly part of curriculum, then offer them back in along with a couple of others (foreign language, etc) and call it ENHANCED PROGRAMING! THIS IS BS! |
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