As a a parent, I would prefer that classes meet every day and not every-other-day. I think the regular reinforcement, particularly for a foreign language and any other challenging class, is especially helpful. And I agree with teacher PPs that sustained attention from middle schoolers for 90 minutes is not realistic, at least for my kids. |
+100 |
1/3 of the class is not a small part of the school. |
That survey is just to “vote” on the preferred schedule option of the 3. However, we were already told at the meeting the 3rd option will not be chosen. It was also very clear from the meeting, the choice would be all period days. This survey like all the others is just a formality. The conclusion was already decided last Spring. |
Definitely disagree. Too much transition time means little to no learning. |
It’s not to vote. There is no vote in the survey, just text fields. They can’t even do that right. |
35 mins is a joke. No learning gets done. It’s a fallacy to suggest kids can’t focus. They need longer sessions not shorter ones to get into a deep focus. There is no time to work on anything in 35 mins. |
You’re not a TPMS parent, are you? |
+1000 |
Short all period days are what’s fashionable right now and because of that teachers have convinced themselves that they work. The evidence suggests otherwise. Block schedules will likely become more popular again in the future as preferences change. |
I used to be anti-block. But now I can see how good it is for my ADHD MS DC. They don't have to focus hard for 90 minutes straight because the teachers break up the time into different activities, including time to complete independent work. This means that DC doesn't have homework, which is great for pursuing the ECs that they are serious about and great for our family's sanity. (I know this will change in high school, but we'll adjust because we are aware that it is coming.) DC also benefits right now from not having to executive-function 7 classes in one day. That much stuff, that much shifting of gears and locations and expectations, that many trips to the locker, and that much input would be hard on them. As an ADHD parent, however, I am totally aware that some other ADHD kids might need the shake-up, motion, and variety to stay plugged in. It's great that different MSs have different schedules and we have some ability to (try to) select between them. |
I was skeptical at first too but after having a kid go through the TPMS magnet and Blair SMCS I also think it's a good thing. |
Why is this the goal? I just don’t believe all of this paranoia. This is so extreme. I understand that there are legitimate things to dispute here but so many of you here and in the parent what’s app are convinced that there is some nefarious bad intent behind all the school’s actions. Really? Do you think there are evil people trying to destroy our society? Or is it just possible that everyone has good intentions and they are trying to figure out a way to solve really problems? |
I don’t think anyone thinks that. The think the administration don’t know how to communicate effectively and are actively trying NOT to share key info openly and that there are some very clear agendas in play. Eg the driving forces at the school want a 7 period day and are hell bent on getting it - failing to understand what “engagement” means. |
Having taught in 4 middle schools (one of them being TPMS), and having my child go to a fifth, I am not sure which middle schools discourage 6th graders from taking foreign language. Most schools will have students who need remediation classes, for English or math, not take FL, but encourage most others. Also, students are allowed to choose their own classes during articulation. So, if a child does not want to take FL, they don't have to sign up for it. |