This letter was sent to the School District 48 board of trustees and superintendent Dr. Rick Erickson and copied to The Chief for publication.
Schools are dynamic institutions and change is necessary to ensure schools meet the needs of the students and the evolving needs of communities ["Teachers denounce grade swap," The Chief, Jan. 22].
It is for that reason that the Don Ross Secondary School teachers requested that the reconfiguration proposals be transparent, meticulous, and done with a sincere attitude because "without due consultation, and without considering the proposal from every possible angle, there will be significant impacts to the quality of education that we provide our students."
After reviewing the SD48's website information on reconfiguration, it is obvious that the board has a problem to solve and began it by retaining Dr. Robin Brayne to hold consultation meetings.
However, the options currently being considered are simply to phase in the transition/graduation programs reconfiguration concept over one year to two.
If solving one problem creates another, is the problem solved? Little consideration seems to be given to the opinions of the frontline workers - the teachers - and the resulting problems from the reconfiguration options.
True consideration would be to meet with the teachers over a number of meetings to explore the impact on the school culture. It would not be Dr Erickson meeting with The Chief and dismissing the experience of the teachers by the statement that "The programs would still be there. With more kids in grade 9, the activity and school culture potential is unlimited. I wouldn't see it as a negative factor."
The single most important factor in student learning is connections. The letter from the teachers at Don Ross discusses connections - connections that require a three-year period to develop.
Grade 8 students are leaving the more protected school venues of self-contained classrooms and controlled environments. Students are questioning values, breaking the bonds that previously protected them.
They are encountering and interacting in a sexualized, violent and drug-filled society and media, their hormones are trying to find a balance and their ability to sift all these conflicting ideas and emotions require a supportive environment.
Transition is a process in which something undergoes a change and passes from one stage to another. Effective transition requires significant connections to help students in through this process. A two-year program would limit connections.
This would in turn put more students at risk, create more problems, frustrate more teachers, lead to less connection and the cycle continues.
The second most significant aspect to student learning is to have staff feel that they are heard and can make a difference. Their concerns cannot be heard or understood without in-depth consultation. The teachers at Don Ross Secondary School are dedicated and understand the needs of their students.
They speak from concern and first hand experience of what works - not from self-interest. If the board rushes through the reconfiguration proposal without significant consideration for their expertise, the students and community will lose.
Working for the well being of our students.
Carol Robson
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