| Time: | 700 - 9:00 pm | |
| Location: | Ed Center Tower Room | |
| Present: | ||
| Absent: | ||
| Notetaker: | Don W. Brown | |
| Time | Topic | Presenter |
Schools of the Future: Educational Programs Sub Group, Public Hearing: January 18, 2000Goal: Public Input: Show us your ideal school. |
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Report on Group Work |
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Small Group Discussions:
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Summary of 5 minute reports: All Groups |
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Program-related feedback:Equal opportunity for all is the foundation of public education. Learning programs reflecting diversity in student interests (honors, culinary school, etc.) Expectation of respectful attention in class (mutual respect), and balance the program by increased emphasis on non-academic classes such as mechanical drawing, woodshop, PE, home economics, and music. This can also be through special schools, but there is concern about pulling “best” students in a special program due to effects on remaining program. Address multiple intelligence and learning styles in instruction. CLOSE CAMPUS. Provide for flexible use of time during the school day. Looping was supported as a practice, and so was multiage grouping for instructional purposes. Foundation of program should be basic services such as library/media services, counseling, arts, p.e. and technology as a tool (mentioned by many groups, some included health, counseling and community volunteers). Make some agreements for a district-wide “core curriculum”. Create life-long learners. Curriculum should be broader than the prevailing culture, emphasis on reflective and critical thinking. Create clear limits and boundaries- consistent expectations. Exciting things should be happening, students are invited to join in, room for mistakes in a welcoming atmosphere. Use humor. There should be evidence of creativity, singing in environment. There should be an “intimate” feeling. Noise is OK, but not chaos. Lots of interactivity with technology and people. Active learning, not passive. Research, not lecture format. Creative and critical thinking, not worksheets. |
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Class size was seen as important.It burns out teachers. Smaller class size. Campus size was also a concern due to indifference and ignorance without adequate counseling and attention to environment. Elementary size best at 300-500, using an optimal staff/student ratio. Have adequate staff for a “full day of schooling”. Staff should be multicultural. Teach to the student, not the test. Teach to the competency, not the content. |
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School Environment was also important.Create an emphasis on feeling of belonging, citizenship, accountability and responsibility. Give support for students outside of the school day that will help them be successful during school. Develop formal, organized after-school activities that address more than after-care, more integrated to make fewer disruptions/transitions for kids. Provide a consistent adult relationship for each student. Provide health services and career counseling at school. Involve the community K-12. System needs to be flexible to address diverse needs, interest and talents. Identify at-risk factors early. Avoid using labels. Students should leave the program feeling good about their learning experiences at school. Include family resource center and/or community resource coordinator in schools to get community resource people in the classroom. Balance student’s day (transitions and changes). Opportunity for periods of focus and concentration, mixed with less intense periods. Use the library as a hub in schools. Schools must be safe physically and emotionally. |
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The following participants volunteered to stay in touch should we need more input.
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Eugene School District 4J