http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/02/28/2884668/grapevine-colleyville-trustees.html
I know that those parents of high school students have definite opinions about block scheduling. After sitting on the SEAT committee and hearing the proposals and questions about block scheduling, it is very clear that this move is not what anyone wanted, but it's the better of not-so-good options. Eliminating block scheduling will save the district $1.6M, the equivalent of 30 teachers. But does this mean that 30 teachers will be eliminated? No, because many teachers are "double-blocked" meaning they teach multiple classes. The district hopes to keep most, if not all of the teachers, through redistribution within the schools. The Board also voted to give teachers who are planning on retiring, but haven't declared their retirement to the district, a $1,000 incentive to go ahead and let them know they're retiring. The first 10 elementary and first 20 secondary teachers to respond will receive this incentive. The last big news to come from the Board was the notice of a May 14th bond election.
According to "who" is this the better of the not-so-good options? Just exactly what were the other options considered? I seriously doubt that this is the best way to eliminate $1.6 million from the budget.
ReplyDeleteThe other options that were presented to the Board by the S.E.A.T. Committee (Stakeholder's Economic Action Team) at the February 14th meeting:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.gcisd-k12.org/657420112153134690/lib/657420112153134690/seat_recommendations_summary.pdf
Eliminating the block schedule will result in a seven period day at the high schools. Because approximately 80% of high school students double-block a course (band, athletics, etc.), most students are only taking seven courses a year anyway. In terms of course selection, eliminating the the block schedule will affect a limited number of students.
ReplyDeleteAs illustrated in the link posted above, eliminating the block schedule has the greatest financial impact on our budget without significantly impacting curriculum or staffing. High-caliber teachers and curriculum are the factors that set this district apart from others in the area. It is imperative that we find ways to cut costs with minimal cuts to staffing, curriculum and programming.
While the block schedule has been a nice luxury, the quality of our teachers and curriculum have to be the priority. Most districts eliminated block scheduling years ago. Our children are amazing. They adapt to change without batting an eye. I have every confidence that they will rise to the occasion and continue to excel under the new system.