"D high schools: The school day will be broken into eight instead of the traditional seven class periods, allowing students to take additional courses. Students who struggle in science, for example, could take a biology class and a second class focused on material covered in the 11th grade science FCAT."
Does this make sense? Why is the school a "D" rated school in the first place? Demographics? Lack of good teachers? Students who don't care? Parents who don't care? Could be a combination of all of the above. But is adding an eight period going to fix the problem? It is a "D" rated school because of FCAT scores. What are you doing to turn kids onto learning? there are more kids in each class this year than ever before. Less attention for each student. More time for kids to full around, teachers to get frustrated, and the whole educational environment swirls downhill.
I don't have an answer on how to fix it. I do know adding an eight class to a school where kids are already turned off to learning, isn't going to turn them on!!!
This is sad. I agree with you, adding an eight period will not rectify the situation.
ReplyDeleteIt all comes down to the fact that it is the year 2009, and it is time for a complete overhaul in our education. Yes, FCAT or standardizing is the problem.
You must read this book: Disrupting Class by Clayton Christensen. Actually - all educators and the president should all read this book - perhaps that is the seed of change we need to better education in our country..