Final Question by

Final Question by https://padlet.com/shammer3/slr7bru7slua What is your bottom line recommendation for honors and accelerated classes? en-us 2017-03-21 22:26:42 UTC 2017-03-23 15:52:44 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Folder.png 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. sgraham25 https://padlet.com/shammer3/slr7bru7slua/wish/162138093 2017-03-23 14:15:41 UTC https://padlet.com/shammer3/slr7bru7slua/wish/162138093 Xochitl xsafady https://padlet.com/shammer3/slr7bru7slua/wish/162138117 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. ]]> 2017-03-23 14:15:47 UTC https://padlet.com/shammer3/slr7bru7slua/wish/162138117 jadams48 https://padlet.com/shammer3/slr7bru7slua/wish/162138240
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 ]]> 2017-03-23 14:16:06 UTC https://padlet.com/shammer3/slr7bru7slua/wish/162138240 Rachel rmerren1 https://padlet.com/shammer3/slr7bru7slua/wish/162138241 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 ]]> 2017-03-23 14:16:06 UTC https://padlet.com/shammer3/slr7bru7slua/wish/162138241 I feel a flexible schedule that will allow student ownership that will allow for more individualized learning. awomack https://padlet.com/shammer3/slr7bru7slua/wish/162138364 2017-03-23 14:16:21 UTC https://padlet.com/shammer3/slr7bru7slua/wish/162138364 Gail gwatkins5 https://padlet.com/shammer3/slr7bru7slua/wish/162138412 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.]]> 2017-03-23 14:16:29 UTC https://padlet.com/shammer3/slr7bru7slua/wish/162138412 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. shilliard3 https://padlet.com/shammer3/slr7bru7slua/wish/162138492 2017-03-23 14:16:40 UTC https://padlet.com/shammer3/slr7bru7slua/wish/162138492 Margaret mbrewer10 https://padlet.com/shammer3/slr7bru7slua/wish/162139445 I would like more flexibility in schedules and for certain courses offered, not by grade level, but by student aptitude.]]> 2017-03-23 14:18:55 UTC https://padlet.com/shammer3/slr7bru7slua/wish/162139445 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 rdickey https://padlet.com/shammer3/slr7bru7slua/wish/162139515 2017-03-23 14:19:06 UTC https://padlet.com/shammer3/slr7bru7slua/wish/162139515 therauf https://padlet.com/shammer3/slr7bru7slua/wish/162139531 I am excited about exploring the "future" scheduling option, in conjunction with best practices at Independent Schools;

]]> 2017-03-23 14:19:09 UTC https://padlet.com/shammer3/slr7bru7slua/wish/162139531 Gay Lee gpearce https://padlet.com/shammer3/slr7bru7slua/wish/162140694 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. ]]> 2017-03-23 14:21:47 UTC https://padlet.com/shammer3/slr7bru7slua/wish/162140694 Kate shammer3 https://padlet.com/shammer3/slr7bru7slua/wish/162178708 My recommendation is that we eliminate honors tracking at ROBS altogether.

]]> 2017-03-23 15:51:56 UTC https://padlet.com/shammer3/slr7bru7slua/wish/162178708 Mary shammer3 https://padlet.com/shammer3/slr7bru7slua/wish/162178939 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.

]]> 2017-03-23 15:52:30 UTC https://padlet.com/shammer3/slr7bru7slua/wish/162178939