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1.        Allow for acceleration in math – we could have the option of a one-year algebra course followed by a one-year Geometry course.

2.       Allow for online instruction – self-study – in passion areas

3.       Allow for elective classes to be year-long if students are passionate about that particular area.

4.       Really look at teachers to see if they have passion-areas that they would be willing to share with students.

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My recommendation is that we eliminate honors tracking at ROBS altogether.

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We should move to toward the 21st century model in that we can place students more with their ability and not age. Here's an immediate idea that i have: Why don't we change the name/label we give leveled classes for 7th and 8th. Let's call them accelerated classes and not leveled classes? Then we would have honors and accelerated classes. That new name would better reflect our curriculum. I also believe that we should keep 5th grade like 4th grade in course selections.

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I am excited about exploring the "future" scheduling option, in conjunction with best practices at Independent Schools;

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I believe honors classes have a place in certain subjects, but also believe that more individualized learning plans are needed to enhance learning for all students to reach their full potential. Flexible schedules will allow for this to take place. Like having an "A" team and a "B" in athletics, those kids have the opportunity to grow at a pace that matches their skill level.  Ron

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I believe honors classes have a place in certain subjects, but also believe that more individualized learning plans are needed to enhance learning for all students to reach their full potential. Flexible schedules will allow for this to take place. Like having an "A" team and a "B" in athletics, those kids have the opportunity to grow at a pace that matches their skill level.  Ron

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I would like more flexibility in schedules and for certain courses offered, not by grade level, but by student aptitude.

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Sally - I don't really teach a class now that requires grading, but I do think that children learn from each other and that mixing abilities in a classroom might be beneficial for both. Stronger students could help weaker ones and solidify their own learning. Weaker students may have more to contribute than we initially evaluated, and be able to contribute in unforeseen ways. I don't think the 21st century is necessarily a panacea. MS kids may be "passionless", or they still may feel their place is comparatively low in a class. But the 21st century model definitely opens up opportunities for kids that our current systems doesn't offer.

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Sally - I don't really teach a class now that requires grading, but I do think that children learn from each other and that mixing abilities in a classroom might be beneficial for both. Stronger students could help weaker ones and solidify their own learning. Weaker students may have more to contribute than we initially evaluated, and be able to contribute in unforeseen ways. I don't think the 21st century is necessarily a panacea. MS kids may be "passionless", or they still may feel their place is comparatively low in a class. But the 21st century model definitely opens up opportunities for kids that our current systems doesn't offer.

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This is a good area to explore. I would like to see course available in Spanish for native speakers.  I think our LS and 5th grade math courses are very strong.  We could offer accelerated classes for 6th grade.  We try to do this with 6th grade math classes that are smaller numbers and place the weaker students in the class with a smaller number of students.  All students need strong skills in reading, writing, and math.

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I feel a flexible schedule that will allow student ownership that will allow for more individualized learning. 

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I feel a flexible schedule that will allow student ownership that will allow for more individualized learning. 

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I'd like to see more merging of grade levels for courses where students have the opportunity to take the course for which they are best suited.  I think honors designations are important specifically for math.   I'd like to see an on-site Geometry Honors course offered at ROBS

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I believe we should be open to having younger students with older students to match the mastery levels we offer. Though there may be developmental differences in other areas, a classroom may be the place where they equalize in the desire to learn and we shouldn't shy away from giving a student the opportunity because they would be the only X grader in a higher level class. On another note, if we find that 90% or more students are in an "honors" class then we may consider that the new "on-level" class and scaffold upward in a new honors offering, implementing supports for students who may need help matching our new normative expectations.

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Sarah In my opinion, honors and accelerated classes have a place in middle school. Ten to fourteen year olds should continue to be exposed to a variety of activities, though, because they have probably not fully developed their "passions" yet. I like the idea of a more flexible schedule, allowing for more individualization. I also think it's important for middle school students to have a shared school experience, bonding them as a group. 

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Sarah In my opinion, honors and accelerated classes have a place in middle school. Ten to fourteen year olds should continue to be exposed to a variety of activities, though, because they have probably not fully developed their "passions" yet. I like the idea of a more flexible schedule, allowing for more individualization. I also think it's important for middle school students to have a shared school experience, bonding them as a group. 

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I believe we need to have more individualized learning opportunities without as large a focus on honors classes.  We can do this by using technology to support these enhancements, as well as small groups with teacher facilitation.  The emotional/social  needs of middle school students also needs to be carefully considered.
Outside resources, especially in the areas of fine arts, might be utilized to provide more varied opportunities/choices for students.
Judy