tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post8003119477728529854..comments2023-09-29T06:32:16.005-04:00Comments on My School Committee Blog: Elementary World Language ProgramsCatherine A. Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03523667921190365891noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-42891544693707485692010-04-14T18:06:42.110-04:002010-04-14T18:06:42.110-04:00To Anon 11:29.
I don't play clarinet now and ...To Anon 11:29.<br /><br />I don't play clarinet now and am not in band anymore. Nor do I play field hockey, volleyball or go out for recess. I haven't painted on a canvass or sang in chorus for more than 30 years. Does any of this mean that our elementary school kids shouldn't have art, music, PE and chorus? <br /><br />Did doing all those things help me as a student and person? Yes. <br /><br />How often have I had to refer to European history or agebra to get through my day? Am I glad I took these courses? Yes.<br /><br />Did my 5 years of Spanish make me fluent? No, but I still use it and even if I didn't it helped me. <br /><br />Brain research shows that learning a language, playing sports, doing math, art, music, etc. all help you learn and your brain develop. And you use different parts of the brain in all these tasks. Running helps you remember what you learned that day. Music helps math thinking. In fact, learning itself makes you smarter.<br /><br />I don't care if elementary school kids are taught Castilian Spanish or German or Mayan. Just teach them a language. Let's give our kids the richest educational expericences we can. <br /><br />Janet McGowanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-51103994688879524772010-04-13T23:29:04.285-04:002010-04-13T23:29:04.285-04:00Janet, A while back I took three semesters of Span...Janet, A while back I took three semesters of Spanish at a local CC because I wanted to connect with those people around me who were speaking Spanish.<br /><br />Guess what. Mostly our Spanish-speaking neighbors speak a kind of Spanish that is not taught in classrooms (Caribbean vs Castilian). <br /><br />After a year and a half, I still couldn't understand 99% of what I was hearing nor could these Spanish-speakers understand me.<br /><br />The kids will pick up numbers, colors and a few words -- Hola, Hasta luego -- and if we're lucky they'll remember one or two of those words a year later.<br /><br />If done right WL exposure does foster a respect for and interest in other languages/cultures, but if not it does nothing at all or may even creative negative feelings, much as lousy PE, art or music education leaves a person frustrated and convinced he or she has no talent for sports, music or art.<br /><br />While Amherst is fortunate to have excellent art and music in each bulding, what will the Spanish be like, spread across three big schools and taught by one person?<br /><br />I can't see that being ANYthing at all like the quality of our art and music and PE. <br /><br />(I left out computers because that's not really enrichment -- it's more like a necessity).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-24983932865202554722010-04-13T16:04:29.457-04:002010-04-13T16:04:29.457-04:00I don't know where the other posters are livin...I don't know where the other posters are living but I live in Amherst and hear Spanish spoken almost every day -- by other parents, in the schools, in stores, on TV, on the sidelines of my kids' games. There are several Spanish language stations on cable, restaurants where the workers speaks Spanish, nearby cities with large Spanish populations. Travel outside the valley and you will find even more Spanish speaking people -- really all over the place. If the elementary schools rallied around teaching Spanish, this could be a great program and really help our kids deal with the world around them.<br /><br />Janet McGowanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-44537592423746511992010-04-13T14:21:32.665-04:002010-04-13T14:21:32.665-04:00I agree with Ken -- activities like phys ed, art, ...I agree with Ken -- activities like phys ed, art, and music are often reinforced outside of school while foreign language instruction rarely is. My child's old school offered Spanish once a week for 40 minutes and while those 40 minutes were fun for the kids there was essentially no retention of the material.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-64147706449483939932010-04-12T20:33:53.210-04:002010-04-12T20:33:53.210-04:00I suppose with MM's actual closing coming soon...I suppose with MM's actual closing coming soon there will be some replaying of grief, anger and disappointment about its demise.<br /><br />But surely it had to be done -- it is neither fair nor sensible to have three schools with 350+ kids and one with less than 150. No district can afford that luxury anymore.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-27675559671836018072010-04-12T18:51:05.948-04:002010-04-12T18:51:05.948-04:00I'm confused here--Is there or isn't there...I'm confused here--Is there or isn't there money lying around to fuel these discussions about having a WL program? Rick--I've heard the amount "saved" by the closure of MM go from $400,000 to 5 to 6 to 7 to now present $800,000... Of course the amount has continued to be inflated--It makes it look better that this awful decision was ever made...it makes those sitting in the sidelines able to cheer on, guilt free... How can EWLP be the topic at hand here if there isn't money to pay for it??Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-1375272859240517192010-04-12T13:16:28.074-04:002010-04-12T13:16:28.074-04:00Is there a way to find out what WW teachers have d...Is there a way to find out what WW teachers have done an hour less of each week,compared to CF, FR, MM teachers, to accomodate Chinese?<br />Anybody out there know?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-6303701250560547952010-04-12T13:00:19.022-04:002010-04-12T13:00:19.022-04:00Here's a new one - how about if we forego the ...Here's a new one - how about if we forego the income from the vending machines (like ice cream) in the MS if we have some alternative money issues. I think it is appalling how many kids have french fries and ice cream for lunch - all options provided for by the school - instead of healthy food. But even more appalling is the number of parents who don't care!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-14764639845753966312010-04-12T12:48:27.392-04:002010-04-12T12:48:27.392-04:00.......so you're not shifting your opinion bas..........so you're not shifting your opinion based on comments on this blog?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-49486525641120706372010-04-12T12:35:48.228-04:002010-04-12T12:35:48.228-04:00Catherine,
A more apt comparison would be if ...Catherine,<br /> A more apt comparison would be if you thought your kids dabbled in language arts, math or science, and were satisfied if they were. Anon 4/11 7pm summed up their family's experience quite succinctly about what dabbling in language learning gets you. I would add that because kids are involved in art, computers, physical activity and music to a greater or lesser degree beyond just what they do in school, it is not really "dabbling" in school when they do those things, either.<br /><br />kenkennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-87406027281551889622010-04-12T11:03:20.167-04:002010-04-12T11:03:20.167-04:00My responses - I'll be quick here, but let me ...My responses - I'll be quick here, but let me make a few points.<br /><br />1. This blog is useful for me to discuss various issues with parents/teachers/community members -- but it actually isn't the way in which I judge how the community feels about a given topic. If one were to read this blog this time last year, one would believe that the community strongly opposed closing Marks Meadow. That is particularly true when very, very few people are willing to sign their names to their comments -- which honestly, I can't understand! If you are opposed to offering Spanish, why not just state your name -- this isn't highly controversial! I've certainly heard from many parents (who have used their own names) who are thrilled with this idea. I encourage all parents with feelings (pro or con) about adding Spanish to contact the SC and the superintendent in an official capacity. <br /><br />2. Ken - I have three children in elementary school and they all "dabble" in things in their specials. They dabble in art with Teri Magner, and have learned a TON. They dabble in PE with Dianna Spaulding and have learned a TON. They dabble in music with Anne White and have learned a TON. They dabble in computers with Joan Gallinaro and have learned a TON. So, sure, Spanish once a week is another way to dabble -- and I would be delighted if they had this opportunity to learn as much in Spanish as they have in art/music/PE/computers.<br /><br />3. We are a school district in which there are simultaneously many goals. Right now, we are working on a review of the middle school, a review of special education, redistricting our elementary schools, examining high school graduation requirements, examining the K to 12 math curriculum, etc. <br /><br />I agree that there are many things that could be worked on in the elementary schools - adding instrumental music a year earlier (this is already on the table), reviewing the math curriculum (this is already underway), increasing focus on science (I will bring this up at the next meeting). But if we insist on fixing a particular issue BEFORE we do any other work (e.g., we can't possible add world language until we have perfect vertical/horizontal alignment), we aren't going to make much progress. We can afford to do Spanish next year K to 6 if we want to. If we don't want to, I hope we are using those funds wisely, because we do have the funds, and I believe funding decisions should be thoughtful -- and just adding something back because that's how we've always done it isn't thoughtful. I can't think of a better way to spend an extra $85,000 next year than having K to 6 Spanish. But again, I'm one vote on SC, and unless a majority of other members agree, it won't happen. This blog is just my way of sharing my thoughts and rationale with the community.Catherine A. Sandersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03523667921190365891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-35931364874195653542010-04-12T10:43:45.497-04:002010-04-12T10:43:45.497-04:00Catherine, I'm seeing a lot of thoughtful reas...Catherine, I'm seeing a lot of thoughtful reasoning about why weekly Spanish isn't necessarily what parents want or the kids need.<br /><br />Can you discuss if your point of view on WL is shifting as a result of the comments here?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-69696148835721945712010-04-12T09:32:26.974-04:002010-04-12T09:32:26.974-04:00How about spending some money to bus 6th graders w...How about spending some money to bus 6th graders who are being redistricted to the school where they are now, so that they don't need to make a transition the year before they transition to middle school. (There is research indicating that more transitions before middle and high school are associated with worse academic and behavioral outcomes.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-40169280832513458152010-04-12T08:24:56.533-04:002010-04-12T08:24:56.533-04:00My initial reaction to the idea of Spanish was wha...My initial reaction to the idea of Spanish was what a wonderful idea. As I've read other posts, though, I come to the conclusion that it is less appealing. <br /><br />I think we should consider restoring things that have been lost, such as reading recovery and instruments in earlier grades.<br /><br />The money would be well spent in areas that benefit both students and families. If the teachers' contract makes it impossible for them to teach on Wednesdays after 1:20, maybe we can get other instruction for that time. There should be full-day preschool so that taxpayers who work have the option of sending their children to the town preschool. <br /><br />Is there any research showing the benefits of of the FLES approach and have WW families been systematically surveyed about the Chinese program? Why not spend the money for something that has been shown to positively impact learning and behavior and that our schools don't meet minimal recommendations for - more physical education.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-49510697783981421652010-04-11T21:49:36.987-04:002010-04-11T21:49:36.987-04:001. restore music instruction
2. more professional ...1. restore music instruction<br />2. more professional development on differentiated instruction in math<br />3. more math coaches<br />4. after-school programming for mentoring and physical exercise<br />5. world language<br /><br />My top 5 priorities as an Amherst parent and voter.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-15228892719011098322010-04-11T21:25:48.027-04:002010-04-11T21:25:48.027-04:00The Elementary Schools cannot legally have a reser...The Elementary Schools cannot legally have a reserve - unused money goes back to the town. The regional school system does hold reserves.Rick Hoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04347110422224233217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-25980894655985681722010-04-11T21:18:42.771-04:002010-04-11T21:18:42.771-04:00Only in Amherst would people ask for more time to ...Only in Amherst would people ask for more time to study where they could use funds after years of complaining for more this and more that. The time has come to decide. Some people will be satisfied, and some will not. Hopefully the School Committee will act and make the decisions we elected it to make. And please don't spend it on more studies.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-6359741468666333892010-04-11T20:22:15.970-04:002010-04-11T20:22:15.970-04:00Does the money need to be spent next year or can i...Does the money need to be spent next year or can it be saved? In other words, do we need to find a program quickly that uses the funds, or can we take our time to decide where it should go?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-47418968241086554952010-04-11T20:14:30.896-04:002010-04-11T20:14:30.896-04:00Does the money have to be used next year or can it...Does the money have to be used next year or can it be saved in reserve if we decided to study our options?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-67055547622510883602010-04-11T20:13:27.271-04:002010-04-11T20:13:27.271-04:00I'm not sure about weekly one hour Spanish. I ...I'm not sure about weekly one hour Spanish. I think I agree with the prior poster:if we're serious about world language development we should do it in a more serious and productive way.<br /><br />Would Wildwood get to continue its Chinese program?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-27794275569407341682010-04-11T20:10:46.583-04:002010-04-11T20:10:46.583-04:00After school programs that are consistent througho...After school programs that are consistent throughout the district, in every school, would get my vote. Let's find out what after school programming yields the most and see if we can afford it with the MM savings.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-17056291662086562232010-04-11T20:09:24.876-04:002010-04-11T20:09:24.876-04:00More math and consistency in math in the elementar...More math and consistency in math in the elementary schools, and more opportunities for physical exercise!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-34510464622546999462010-04-11T19:39:47.950-04:002010-04-11T19:39:47.950-04:00Anonymous 4:43--I am not "the schools": ...Anonymous 4:43--I am not "the schools": a) I don't even work for the Amherst schools any more and b) even if I did, I would still just be me, not "the schools." People can have whatever opinions they want, about anything--and in Amherst, they certainly do. I can certainly understand how parents who think of math in very traditional ways are quite upset about Investigations when their understanding is filtered through that lens. But saying "I don't like Investigations philosophically" is quite different from saying, "The program is objectively weak or in dire need of changing (i.e., because I don't like it)." <br /><br />Rick--Thanks for that clarification, and please continue to make that differentiation publically. Catherine's article makes the same point and I appreciate the clarity of her presentation. But I still hear people describe the WL proposal as a program where kids will "learn Spanish." <br /><br />I also hope that the SC realizes that good will and an interest in establishing a theoretically nice (if superficial) program does NOT solve scheduling problems, or outweigh the impact of unsolvable or negative repercussions on the staff, as well as on some needy students.<br /><br />Finally, Catherine, if I understood your point, the interest in many Spanish-speaking families at CF to maintain the language cluster program (an issue of maintaining their children's cultural and linguistic identity in a school setting) is quite different than establishing a "dabbling in" Spanish program. The 2 things should be uncoupled.kennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-90234830737540471152010-04-11T19:00:18.700-04:002010-04-11T19:00:18.700-04:00We came from a district that had a once-a-week lan...We came from a district that had a once-a-week language program from grade 1 on. Then we moved here. My kids, who are bright and like school, retained nothing - zero - no vocab, no pronunciation, no understanding of the culture, and so on, of that language. I don't see the value of such a tepid effort. Do it every day if you mean it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-88911932377336058962010-04-11T18:02:36.529-04:002010-04-11T18:02:36.529-04:00Not every child can or wants to play an instrument...Not every child can or wants to play an instrument. In some cases the focus isn't there, in some cases the interest isn't there, and in some cases the parents aren't there (or any or all of the above). <br /><br />Although this is rare, you do see instruments sitting untouched on top of the cubbies literally gathering dust all year. The instruments never go home, the music books are lost, the lessons are abandoned, and that's that. <br /><br />Thus I am not in favor of universal lessons. There has to be some parent-guardian buy-in/commitment. Some rational taking stock of where the kid is at: can this child handle another learning task/pull-out/responsibility?<br /><br />Otherwise it's just another unaccomplished task the kid has to feel badly about.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com