Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Robert Tymann on December 11, 2010 at 12:47pm

Is this restructuring motivated by available space or a better educational design?  Within one building or in two separate locations?  I have not experienced this type of restructuring but can see pros and cons from the education side.  I have been a MS principal and am now an Assistant Superintendent.  I would be interested in any brainstorming/discussion on the topic.  We all need to be looking for ways to improve delivery for less cost.  Is that the objective here?

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Permalink Reply by RHagan on December 12, 2010 at 12:35pm

It is motivated by a better educational design. The high school has a population of 3200 grades 9-12. The current thinking in exploring this option is to decrease the overall population in the high school, and at the same time create an educational structure for students in the 8/9 building. We are concerned about the ninth grade and their ability to adapt to the large high school structure.

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Permalink Reply by Cecile Wren on December 21, 2010 at 4:56pm

Where is your school located?  I am a retired Middle School Principal and have organized and redesigned middle schools to better meet the needs of the students.  You can contact me by email at

mindandheart@optonline.net

or on the cell at

917-834-0936

Cecile Wren

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Permalink Reply by Robert M. Hagan, Ed.D. on December 28, 2010 at 3:35pm

Hi Cecile, I will certainly give you a call.

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Permalink Reply by Nancy M. Doda on December 28, 2010 at 10:08am

Bob,

 

I would love to talk with you about your middle school redesign efforts. This is my life's work and believe I can offer some help. Give a call or send a message.

 

All the best,

 

Nancy Doda

ndoda@teacher-to-teacher.com

703-901-2705

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Permalink Reply by Robert M. Hagan, Ed.D. on December 28, 2010 at 3:36pm

Hi Nancy, thank you for the response.  I will contact you shortly.

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Permalink Reply by Nancy M. Doda on December 29, 2010 at 7:24am

Bob,

I thought it might be helpful to share that 3 -4 years in one school is far better for young adolescents than only two years in one site. Avoiding transitions is the key here as is continuity of care and personalization. Moreover, best practice high schools are now finding ways to model themselves after middle schools with teaming and advisory in at least grade 9.  Unless size is prohibitive, it would be wise to consider one site of 6-9 or 2 smaller sites both with 6-9 rather than split by grades. 

 

Looking forward to hearing more,

 

Nancy Doda

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Permalink Reply by Robert M. Hagan, Ed.D. on December 29, 2010 at 10:19am

Hi,
Unfortunately, this is not an option. The increase in population and decrease in funding does not make this possible. However, we are considering multiple options to meet the needs of all students, which is a challenge in itself.

I will contact you later.
Thanks,
Bob

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