nothin New Haven Independent | Will Branford Students ‘Fall Into Literacy’?

Will Branford Students Fall Into Literacy’?

Sally E. Bahner Photo

At its meeting last week, the Board of Education (pictured) discussed a new English Language Arts curriculum being implemented in the elementary schools, welcomed an additional group of new certified teachers, and revisited whether to assess an annual fee for use of technology devices.

Assistant Schools Superintendent Dr. Anthony Buono and Curriculum Coordinator Lauren Skultety presented details concerning a new English Language Arts curriculum that is being rolled out in Grades 1 through 3, titled Fall into Literacy.” 

It is expected that the curriculum will eventually incorporate math instruction, then be extended to all grades with a transfer of knowledge vertically,” from grade to grade.

Sally E. Bahner Photo

Skultery (pictured) explained that software titled EduPlanet is being used, which implements Common Core standards; Common Core standards detail what students should know in English language arts and math by the end of each grade. The software for ELA curriculum is broken down into four stages – Stage 1: Desired Results – Key Understanding; Stage 2: Assessment Evidence – demonstrating understanding; Stage 3: Learning Plan; Stage 4: Unit Reflection.

Sally E. Bahner Photo

Teachers and coaches work together in an engaging format” to develop goals on an ongoing basis with a shift toward performance assessment” and looking to guide students in authentic tasks,” and create goals, and demonstrate their understanding. Buono (pictured) said the program is designed to be fun and engaging.”

Under the title I can” students are encouraged toward goal setting and self evaluation, based on rubrics (expectations). Parents will be kept in the loop throughout the process.

Translating Edu-Speak

Translated from Edu-speak into lay language, students in grade one are expected to be able to retell stories including details; describe its characters, settings, and events; use illustrations in the descriptions; compare and contrast the experiences of the characters; and with adult guidance, respond to questions, recall information, and participate in conversations.

With Permission

The experiences are translate into specific tasks, such as creating zoo plaques (grade one); writing hangtags” for their libraries like those found in bookstores (grade two); writing a prologue and sequel for a book of their choice (grade three); and acting as a reporter (grade four). Kindergarteners would create book baggies” for incoming students to introduce them to their favorite books.

In responding to the presentation, board member John Prins said, The professionals need to talk about what they are trying to do in collaboration.” He added, The concept of grades one, two, and three is obsolete, but we’re stuck with it.”

Board member Kate Marsland said that the program was a huge change” that involves a tremendous amount of work.” She commended the teachers for the effort, but said, We also want to hear about the challenges.”

Buono acknowledged that the program was very different… it’s new.”

Walsh Air Quality Update

The air quality problem in the Walsh auxiliary gym and pool area, under remediation since the beginning of the school year, is close to being resolved. Higher levels of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were found, and while the readings were acceptable for ages 12 and above, 50 percent of the school population is under that age so the gym and pool have been temporarily closed while mitigation is underway.

In his report, Schools Superintendent Hamlet Hernandez said testing has been done and the results are expected this week, then steps will be taken with the Environmental Protection Agency to reopen the facilities.

Hernandez said a Nov. 29 Board of Education meeting is planned to approve the school construction form, which says that plans meet educational specifications within the budget for Walsh Intermediate School. The documents can be viewed at the board’s central office on Main Street. He reiterated that the layout for Walsh can be viewed at Tisko, Murphy, and Sliney Schools, as well as the main office.

The town is still waiting to see how the long-delayed state budget will affect its application for $33 million in bonding. Officials have remained optimistic that the funding will be received and are proceeding with plans.

Technology Discussion

Is $25 a fair fee for parents to pay for students to use school-supplied devices, such as Chromebooks?

The board resumed a discussion from August about whether to charge a $25 fee for students’ classroom use of devices. The fee would go toward general accidental damage. The school has been drafting a plan for devices at an affordable cost to parents and taxpayers.

The fees would cover a pool of parts for repairs, which are done almost exclusively in house. There’s a one-to-one device program at Walsh (Chromebooks) and iPads are available in lower grades. High school students generally bring their own devices.

The devices can be tracked and documented and intentional damage can be documented. Individual consideration would be taken into account regarding payment.

Hernandez raised the question of how to sustain the program with the increasing cost of technology. A textbook analogy was made but countered with the fact that a textbook is used for one subject while the Chromebook is used for all subjects.

Marsland said the extra cost has more far-reaching consequences since one in four students receive free or reduced lunches.

Hernandez said the district was looking into other options such as bundling with telecommunications companies.

Additional Teachers Welcomed

Sally E. Bahner Photo

The board welcomed another group of new certified teachers, who will be working at the high school and Walsh Intermediate School: Thomas Ermini (Physical Education teacher, Walsh), John Limone (Tech Education, Carpentry teacher, Branford High School), Michael Martone (Music/Choral teacher, BHS), Erica O’Brien (Family and Consumer Science, BHS), Michael Paolella (Math coach, Walsh), Suzanne Reiss (Language Arts, Walsh), Megan Tucker (Special Education teacher, Walsh), and Elizabeth Young (School Counselor, Walsh).
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