In Wake of MCAS Scores, Middle School Schedule To Be Changed
Proposal calls for more time to be dedicated to core subjects.
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Wilmington Middle School administrators want to alter the school's scheduling structure in the wake of disappointing scores on the last few rounds of MCAS exams.
Appearing before the School Committee recently, Principal Christine McMenimen issued a presentation that called for, among other things, an additional 60 minutes of instruction time each day in the core subjects, as well as interdisciplinary "pods" in language arts, math, social studies and science, according to an article appearing in the Town Crier.
The school would still follow block scheduling with a six-day cycle.
Foreign language, phys. ed. and performing arts would be offered twice per cycle, with phys. ed. switching to a year-round program, according to the article.
The proposal sprung from recommendations put together by a committee commissioned by Superintendent Joanne Benton. The groups met for from Aug. through December, 2012, charged with increasing instruction time in the core subjects while still offering students a well-rounded education.
Benton said MCAS test scores for the Middle School in recent years have not been acceptable and these changes were needed.
Devin Botelho
2:15 pm on Monday, March 11, 2013
No just no
Kevin MacDonald
10:47 pm on Monday, March 11, 2013
Could it be that this school is too old and should be knocked down so a new one can be built? Will this solve the education deficiency problem?
Devin Botelho
2:18 pm on Monday, March 11, 2013
Its not fair im tired of this school from a student
J.R.
4:42 pm on Monday, March 11, 2013
I appreciate the hard work of the teachers and staff of the Middle School, but I'm finding this article and this plan to be a bit murky.
What are "pods"?
Will the curriculum change?
Will teaching methods change?
Will the school be willing to reassess "house" placement yearly based on the needs of individual students?
Is the school going to begin to offer MCAS prep programs after school or in the summer, targeting those programs to the children who need them the most? (Perhaps the Middle School could look at the successes of the Tech with their program.)
What is a "cycle"?
Will access to foreign language instruction be reduced?
I hope these questions do not seem hostile. That's not my intention. I really just don't understand what has been proposed after reading that article.
webmom
8:59 am on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
The Middle School is separated into 3 houses. Are the mediocre test scores consistent in all 3 houses? Is that information available to the public/parents? Or is it consistent in all 3? If it is different, the school should look at the 3 houses to see what is lacking perhaps in one and not the other.
If the test scores are consistent in all 3 houses, then yes, I think the administration should look to other successful schools in the area for ideas.
Suprisingly, more school time does not necessarily equate to higher scores. Bedford, MA for example (a close friend of mine lives there), they have a half day every Wed and numerous Fridays off for teacher curriculum meetings. Definitely less time in the classroom, but absolutely consistently higher test scores and graduation rates.
Maxine
9:23 am on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Webmom, I think you and JR raise some very good questions.
I would also like to know what the details of the plan are. The articles here and in the Town Crier are very vague.
Mom
8:10 am on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Just a quick search on google shows many articles that a later start time improve test scores. My kids have to get up at 5:30 and leave the house by 6:15 to walk to their bus stop by 6:30. Was that even considered?
Stacie
8:47 am on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
I always wondered why the Middle School started early in the am, earlier than the High School.
webmom
9:17 am on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
High School students start later because (most) high schoolers work part time jobs and might not get home until later, do their homework, etc., so it makes sense that they should start later in the day than younger kids. (my opinion).
My Middle Schooler wakes up at 5:30 also, I just make sure to keep that in mind when telling him when to get to sleep the night before...it shouldn't be an issue if he/she gets to bed at a decent time.
Jill
4:08 pm on Friday, March 22, 2013
That is not why the high school starts later. When the middle school was opened they switched start times for because of bus scheduling issues.
J.R.
5:48 pm on Friday, March 22, 2013
Here's an interesting article about teenagers and their sleep patterns from the Mayo Clinic. It has some great tips for helping them to regulate their internal clocks:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/teens-health/CC00019