Mrs. Key’s letter about the alleged plan for McIntosh High School to change from six to seven class periods a day is informative, but I could not find the main reason for the change. The Board needs to provide desired measurable outcomes for the change.
Every program or plan has goals and measurable outcomes. ”The number of students enrolled in advanced placement classes will increase by 10 percent from previous year” is measurable, but “Students are more interested in academics” is not a measurable outcome.
Has the Board examined the seven-classes per day to see how that plan meets the goals and guidelines of ESSA?
Every Student Succeeds Act is the new education bill, signed by Obama, in 2015. It replaces “No Child Left Behind” and gives states more leeway in designing educational programs. Each state must submit its plans for ESSA. Georgia’s plan was approved in January 2018. Accountability is a major part of ESSA.
Educational equity is the desired outcome for ESSA. The act contains new provisions to advance equity and excellence in our nation’s schools for students of color, low-income students, English learners, students with disabilities, and those who are homeless or in foster care.
These provisions are in four major areas: (1) access to learning opportunities focused on higher-order thinking skills for all students rather than rote-orientation education; (2) multiple measures of equity; (3) resource equity; and (4) evidence-based intervention.
Previously, interventions had to be scientifically based research. Each of the provisions can be leveraged by educators, researchers, policy influencers, and advocates to advance equity in education.
I could not find one research study, dissertation or publication that said seven classes per day is the better choice. The keys to success in either plan are a supportive community and good teachers.
Educational equity: each student is given what he needs to succeed; e.g., assistive hearing devices, a quiet room to take a test, 10 spelling words instead of 20. Educational equality: all students get the same. All get 20 spelling words.
Priscilla Schell
Peachtree City, Ga.
