Intermediate Review - Background

Thu, 05/14/2009 - 23:00 — admin

The OCDSB is implementing an Intermediate Review this year, which seems to be code for a change in how teaching blocks are set out. On a more practical level, it has ramifications for specialty teacher instructions, and with that, how many extra-curricular programs may be offered. Think Drama taught by a teacher who has normally just taught Math. Think no Boom!

Where did this start? Unfortunately, despite the board's promises, there has been no consultation with parents or teachers about the goals and proposed changes. Nor has there been any meaningful communication. An unannounced discussion at a poorly attended council meeting, but no letter home.

Digging further, Summit School council has found the Intermediate Review final policy paper from the board. See attached. It outlines a goal of meeting a provincial guideline for literacy minutes. Was this the only way to meet it?

One of the tenets of the Alternative Program, as advertized in the board brochures, is that it is built upon consultation and co-operation between teachers, parents and students. The board needs to live up to this promise. The board needs to put the Intermediate Review changes on hold until such time as a proper notification and consultation can take place.

This site is a place to get involved, share information and be heard. Pass us around.

Blue Water: A Case Study in Specialist Change

Thu, 06/18/2009 - 16:17 — Richard Deadman

Blue Water School Board experimented with moving from a rotary to a homeroom model for intermediate grades starting in 2007. This was outlined in their "BLUEWATER STANDARDS OF PRAC II 2007 FINAL FINAL 2.doc" document (linked below).

This lead to a literature review by parents and staff who were unhappy with the effects that the changes where having on specialty teaching. See attached document: "Summary of Research R0ofR0.doc"

On June 16th 2009, a parent delegation to the Blue Water board supported a motion to reverse the change, based on concerns about specialty teaching, loss of extra-curriculars and rotary preparation for high school. See attached "Board Delegation June 16 R2.doc"

The Blue Water school board passed the motion and provided principals flexibility in implementing either homeroom or rotation as best suits their school needs. See the attached PDF that announced the decision: "June 17 Media Release 3.pdf"

ASAC letter to Director regarding Intermediate Review Consultation

Wed, 06/03/2009 - 12:30 — Richard Deadman

Director,

This has been a busy year for ASAC and the Alternative Program in general and we look back with pride on some of the accomplishments and innovations that have been undertaken. Against this backdrop, however, is a concern that one of the cornerstones of the Alternative Program, parental involvement and consultation, continues to be eroded.

Owen Sound Sun Times: Bluewater to revisit rotary decision

Tue, 06/02/2009 - 23:43 — Richard Deadman

May 20th, 2009

From Bluewater to revisit rotary decision:

A move to reinstate partial rotary classes in the Bluewater district for the upcoming school year was made yesterday when the vice-chairwoman of the school board raised the issue during the board's regular monthly meeting.

Jan Johnstone gave a notice of motion late in the meeting stating that "starting for the 2009- 2010 school year principals may timetable so that classes receive up to one-half of their program in a rotary delivery model."

Motion from the Summit Alternative School Council (SASC)

Tue, 05/26/2009 - 23:16 — Richard Deadman

The following motion deals with broad points of timing, consultation and flexibility that everyone at Summit wants. The council also encourages Summit parents to weigh in on the other specific issues that are of great concern to them, e.g. the co-ed gym, reduction of arts minutes, extra-curriculars. These issues have not been dropped; they can be addressed through a consultation process and local flexibility. Please add your comments.

Subject: Proposed Changes in Intermediate Program Delivery

Notes from May 20, 2009 Summit Council Meeting

Thu, 05/21/2009 - 15:14 — Richard Deadman

“Intermediate Review” – Changes to Program Delivery Model for Fall 2009


Joann Michels, Lynn Stevenson
May 20th, 2009

Summit Alternative School Council held a special meeting on May 20, 2009 to provide parents with more information regarding the Intermediate Review and its impact on specialist teaching and extracurricular activities offered at Summit Alternative this fall among other issues. 50(+) parents participated and their concerns and recommendations are summarized below.

The Ottawa Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) has decided to change how intermediate programs are delivered starting this fall. Intermediate schools will be organized on a partial rotary model with a literacy block of 100 minutes of instructional time with the same teacher. Although some specialists will still be offered, this change will result in a shift from the current emphasis on specialty teachers to a more generalist approach.

Although our school Principal, Rita Cardarelli and Vice-Principal were not able to participate unfortunately, parents were offered additional information by OCDSB representative Walter Piovesan, Superintendent of Instruction and Zone 10 School Trustee Jennifer McKenzie. Janet Fraser, 1st Vice President of the Ottawa-Carleton Elementary Teachers' Federation was also in attendance. Summit teachers also attended and provided information as requested in response to parent questions regarding the impact the change is expected to have in their various subject areas next year.

Student Petition presented to Trustee Jennifer McKenzie

Wed, 05/20/2009 - 23:10 — Richard Deadman

At the Summit Council meeting tonight, a petition spearheaded by Charlene Rhead and other students at Summit was presented to Trustee Jennifer McKenzie. The petition calls for the board to delay implementation of the Intermediate Review until such time as proper notification and consultation with parents can occur.

To date, over 237 students from eight schools have signed the petition. The text is attached.

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