I hope someone can offer me a solution.
Due to the added pressure of NCLB, my Principal has scheduled a mandatory reading class opposite my band rehearsal for all 8th graders who score below the 50th percentile in reading. It looks like this will prevent 10 of my 7th graders from participating in band next year.
In speaking with my Principal, I've stressed how important band is for these particular students -- this is an inner city school, for most of them, band is their only activity. I have offered to tutor all of these kids in reading and I have offered to teach an alternate reading course before or after school. (Not that I truly have time to do all of this, but, hey, this is important!)
To put it simply, all of my offers have been turned down. Also, the kids and their parents have not been notified by the school yet -- the plan is to send a letter at some point to notify parents.
In my most recent conversation, I repeated to my Principal that there HAS to be a solution. So, colleagues, what would you do next?
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8th Graders Must Take Reading Class
Started by Guest_JoAnn_*, May 16 2006 09:20 PM
4 replies to this topic
#2 Guest_Jim In Illinois_*
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Posted 18 May 2006 - 11:13 AM
This is a tough situation. You owe it to the students and their parents to make sure they are informed of the situation. Is there a parent you know and trust that you can share the basic information with? Not the names, but the details? It sounds like your administrator isn't willing to change the schedule for your students, but with parental involvement he or she may need to be flexible on this issue. I hope someone else has more advice for you. Good luck, you sound like a teacher who really cares.
#3 Guest_Katie_*
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Posted 22 May 2006 - 02:43 PM
JoAnn --
What is your relationship with the guidance counselor at your school? I had a similar situation this spring, and even though the principal has his mind set, the counselors are 'taking care' of the problem.
Katie
What is your relationship with the guidance counselor at your school? I had a similar situation this spring, and even though the principal has his mind set, the counselors are 'taking care' of the problem.
Katie
#4
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Posted 22 July 2006 - 08:49 PM
JoAnn, on May 16 2006, 09:20 PM, said:
I hope someone can offer me a solution.
Due to the added pressure of NCLB, my Principal has scheduled a mandatory reading class opposite my band rehearsal for all 8th graders who score below the 50th percentile in reading. It looks like this will prevent 10 of my 7th graders from participating in band next year.
In speaking with my Principal, I've stressed how important band is for these particular students -- this is an inner city school, for most of them, band is their only activity. I have offered to tutor all of these kids in reading and I have offered to teach an alternate reading course before or after school. (Not that I truly have time to do all of this, but, hey, this is important!)
To put it simply, all of my offers have been turned down. Also, the kids and their parents have not been notified by the school yet -- the plan is to send a letter at some point to notify parents.
In my most recent conversation, I repeated to my Principal that there HAS to be a solution. So, colleagues, what would you do next?
Due to the added pressure of NCLB, my Principal has scheduled a mandatory reading class opposite my band rehearsal for all 8th graders who score below the 50th percentile in reading. It looks like this will prevent 10 of my 7th graders from participating in band next year.
In speaking with my Principal, I've stressed how important band is for these particular students -- this is an inner city school, for most of them, band is their only activity. I have offered to tutor all of these kids in reading and I have offered to teach an alternate reading course before or after school. (Not that I truly have time to do all of this, but, hey, this is important!)
To put it simply, all of my offers have been turned down. Also, the kids and their parents have not been notified by the school yet -- the plan is to send a letter at some point to notify parents.
In my most recent conversation, I repeated to my Principal that there HAS to be a solution. So, colleagues, what would you do next?
JoAnn,
I understand your situation. In my case, it was an extended program that went against all of our rehearsals. This was all levels for middle school students who needed assistance or were classified as "Below Basic." The situation was resolved by a "Mr E Day." Once a week, (I know what you're going to say--only one time?), we were able to pull the students out of their classes for a 90 minute rehearsal. Mr E stands for "Music, Remediation, & Enrichment." It worked beautifully last year. Try it, it may work for you.
I have another situation though and need some help from colleagues: Our group instrumental lessons are pull-outs. We are implementing an alternating A/B 4X4 Block schedule. Our rehearsals we had before school during homeroom will not work since they are eliminating homeroom. We already have practices after school which also are effected by sports. Last year we were a school of 360 with 110 in the concert band. This year we will have an enrollment of 900 students, grades 5th through 8th. If anyone has any ideas or input, I would greatly appreciate it!! Thank you in advance!!
#5
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Posted 21 December 2008 - 10:03 AM
I have kids that are facing the exact same problem. Only difference? I'm a first year teacher with little to know pull as far as the hierarchy goes. However, it is absolutely essential that you enlist parent support. Your word may mean little, but if ten parents call the school board office - you better believe someone will start listening.
Another option is one that I explored with an individual student. He contracted, with the guidance counselor, to read 30 minutes a night seven nights a week and turn the contract in with his mothers signature and mine on it and he would be pulled from his reading remediation class and be able to participate in band.
At the risk of sounding like a sell out, I support reading programs, as long as they are effective. It doesn't do a child any bit of good to be in a band class if he or she cannot read the text books in school. I know that I fight the same battle, but I believe fundamentally every child should be able to read and comprehend at least at their grade level. This makes for successful, functioning members of society.
However, again, parents should be supportive (if they aren't, well that's a whole different issue) of a teacher that is making positive life changing experiences available for their child. I wish you the best of luck.
Another option is one that I explored with an individual student. He contracted, with the guidance counselor, to read 30 minutes a night seven nights a week and turn the contract in with his mothers signature and mine on it and he would be pulled from his reading remediation class and be able to participate in band.
At the risk of sounding like a sell out, I support reading programs, as long as they are effective. It doesn't do a child any bit of good to be in a band class if he or she cannot read the text books in school. I know that I fight the same battle, but I believe fundamentally every child should be able to read and comprehend at least at their grade level. This makes for successful, functioning members of society.
However, again, parents should be supportive (if they aren't, well that's a whole different issue) of a teacher that is making positive life changing experiences available for their child. I wish you the best of luck.
