English, math instruction time to increase at PIMS
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Students at Presque Isle Middle School will receive more instruction time in English/language arts (ELA) and mathematics in the fall thanks to a new plan that was recently endorsed by a large majority of the teachers and approved by SAD 1 Superintendent Gehrig Johnson.
Details of the plan were shared at last Wednesday night’s monthly school board meeting.
Citing achievement test scores in the two content areas at the middle school, the district was looking for ways to improve test results by increasing math and ELA instruction.
A PIMS committee was formed two months ago to incorporate increased instructional time and other programming changes. Teachers were invited to participate in round-table discussions to provide input into creating a new schedule. After numerous drafts, teachers voted earlier this month by a two-thirds majority to endorse the plan that will take effect in the fall.
Under the new plan, two-person teams will replace the existing three- and four-member teams, ELA and math teachers will also teach either science or social studies courses, and science and social studies teachers will add either ELA or math classes.
“By having two-member teams,” said Assistant Superintendent Ellen Schneider, “the teachers will work closely with a smaller group of students, which is to the students’ benefit.”
Students presently spend 42 minutes each day learning ELA and math. In the fall, they will receive 68 minutes of instruction daily in each subject area.
“Our expectation is that if the students receive more instruction time in the areas in which they typically struggle,” said Schneider, “we will see an improvement in achievement test scores.
“We’ll also be incorporating ‘guided study halls’ for the students who are having difficulty in a particular subject,” she said.
While some teachers have expressed concern about having to teach a subject relatively unfamiliar to them, a strong majority of the staff has endorsed the plan for implementation in August 2010.
“The district is prepared to provide whatever level of in-service support teachers may need. We’ve already talked to a couple of teachers who have expressed an interest in attending summer workshops to refresh and strengthen their teaching,” said Johnson. “We’re going to make every effort to provide them with such opportunities.”
SAD 1 director and former veteran teacher Barbara Ladner thought the plan was a good one.
“I think it will work out just fine,” she said, “and will give them the opportunity to try new things.”
As part of the change, teachers’ planning periods will be reduced to one ‘common planning’ time where they will converse with their team member and plan lessons accordingly.
“This plan is what’s best for the students,” said Schneider. “We’ll still be offering music, art, technology education … in fact, minute-wise, students will receive more instruction in physical education and health than they do now. We want to continue to promote a healthy lifestyle.”
Also at the May 12 school board meeting, directors:
• Accepted the resignation of Rhonda Tweed, a kindergarten teacher at Pine Street Elementary School, who will be relocating to southern Maine.
• Approved the transfer of Pam Willette from English teacher at Presque Isle High School to social studies teacher at the same school.
Following the regular board meeting, the district budget meeting was held in the PIHS cafeteria. After being elected moderator, Mike McPherson presided over the meeting that was attended by more than 100 community members.
Those in attendance voted to support the 2010-11 budget of $22,373,819 in the first step of a two-step process. Step two was the budget validation referendum that was held yesterday. Results of the vote were not known at presstime.
