Question: I was trying to post a comment to the Elementary Reading Program question, posted on Wednesday, December 2nd, but was unable to do so. I would like to comment by saying I'm not sure the answer Mrs. LaFountain gave really answers the question by the parent. I believe what the parent(s) are looking to get an answer to is: Since the Harcourt Program demands much higher vocabulary skills, comprehension and writing skills than the current program(s) being taught to our K, 1 and 2 students, what are we doing as a community to help the K, 1 and 2 students' transition easier? Unfortunately, this isn't a one-on-one student concern, this is a whole community concern.
Answer: At Broadalbin-Perth, we have clear expectations about the sequence of skills that our students acquire. Our curriculum defines what kids should know and be able to do at each grade level. Whether our teachers are using Harcourt or any other program in their classrooms, there are going to be higher demands on older kids because that's what's developmentally appropriate. The Harcourt program is simply a tool that we use in our classrooms; it is NOT curriculum.
- answered by Stephen Tomlinson, District Superintendent
Showing posts with label Harcourt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Harcourt. Show all posts
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Let's work together
Question: I was just wondering if there is anyone out there who has anything positive to say about the great things that happen at The Learning Community (formally the primary school). I don't know if any other people outside of the school system have any idea about what it takes to teach young children. I know that the fourth grade is now doing a new program (Harcourt) and it is only the second year. With that program in place, there will certainly need to be changes in ELA K-5. These things take time and discussion, and it has to be decided if that program is really good for children.
I just wonder if any of these people challenging the curriculum at TLC have any clue about children's developmental readiness as they grow and learn. Just as children learn to walk at different times (not all at 10 months) they also master different academic skills at different rates. The TLC program has always catered to those specific needs of the children in our district. As a parent of two children currently in the elementary system at B-P, I am proud of the instruction my children are getting at TLC. The teachers there work hard to keep the curriuculum challenging and rewarding for all children at all their varied develpmental stages. Education should not be a cookie-cutter system, as it seems we are trying to create with this Harcourt program. That does not mean we shouldn't challenge the children, but we do need to consider that even in fourth grade they are not all developmentally at the same level.
I guess with all that said, my question is, to staff and parents, do you think it is time we work together to continue to build upon our current curriculum, or would it be more beneficial to just point fingers at others and create animosity between parents, teachers and the two elementary buildings? It takes a village!!
Answer: Ditto.
- answered by Stephen Tomlinson, District Superintendent
I just wonder if any of these people challenging the curriculum at TLC have any clue about children's developmental readiness as they grow and learn. Just as children learn to walk at different times (not all at 10 months) they also master different academic skills at different rates. The TLC program has always catered to those specific needs of the children in our district. As a parent of two children currently in the elementary system at B-P, I am proud of the instruction my children are getting at TLC. The teachers there work hard to keep the curriuculum challenging and rewarding for all children at all their varied develpmental stages. Education should not be a cookie-cutter system, as it seems we are trying to create with this Harcourt program. That does not mean we shouldn't challenge the children, but we do need to consider that even in fourth grade they are not all developmentally at the same level.
I guess with all that said, my question is, to staff and parents, do you think it is time we work together to continue to build upon our current curriculum, or would it be more beneficial to just point fingers at others and create animosity between parents, teachers and the two elementary buildings? It takes a village!!
Answer: Ditto.
- answered by Stephen Tomlinson, District Superintendent
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