Transition to Middle School
Students come in as children and need to move up to a different building where the expectations are that they are more independent and responsible. Teachers teach several different classes, so they can't "chase" students for their work. Students' organizational skills are tested as they transition from a desk in one classroom to lockers which are their responsibility to maintain so that they can find their materials and show up to classes on time and prepared. Using a planner to maintain a things to do list and maintain the parent communication is essential. Therefore, continuing training students to write everything down to organize assignments and their due dates is essential for success, and will eliminate the unknown and much of the issues and poor performance.
Common Core
The New York State Board of Regents adopted a new national curriculum known as the Common Core. The curriculum is challenging, but should help students transition to higher education more prepared. As we transition though, issues will arise. We no longer use textbooks in English Language Arts and Math which may be problematic for parents who want and need to support their children at home. The Modules that the B.C.S.D. adopted ask teachers to use different methodologies than in the past, and use materials that are different than past instructional materials. Lessons may take longer than projected. Notebooks may look different than in the past. Even though we have noticed challenges with the implementation of the Modules as a tool for addressing the new Common Core, teachers and administrators are working overtime in order to smooth the bumps in the road that change often causes. We are trying to remain positive because the change is for the better, and the latest test scores seem to show just that.
Students come in as children and need to move up to a different building where the expectations are that they are more independent and responsible. Teachers teach several different classes, so they can't "chase" students for their work. Students' organizational skills are tested as they transition from a desk in one classroom to lockers which are their responsibility to maintain so that they can find their materials and show up to classes on time and prepared. Using a planner to maintain a things to do list and maintain the parent communication is essential. Therefore, continuing training students to write everything down to organize assignments and their due dates is essential for success, and will eliminate the unknown and much of the issues and poor performance.
Common Core
The New York State Board of Regents adopted a new national curriculum known as the Common Core. The curriculum is challenging, but should help students transition to higher education more prepared. As we transition though, issues will arise. We no longer use textbooks in English Language Arts and Math which may be problematic for parents who want and need to support their children at home. The Modules that the B.C.S.D. adopted ask teachers to use different methodologies than in the past, and use materials that are different than past instructional materials. Lessons may take longer than projected. Notebooks may look different than in the past. Even though we have noticed challenges with the implementation of the Modules as a tool for addressing the new Common Core, teachers and administrators are working overtime in order to smooth the bumps in the road that change often causes. We are trying to remain positive because the change is for the better, and the latest test scores seem to show just that.