By Scott McFarland
As an elementary teacher of 13 years, seven of which were spent in Salida, I am certain a paradigm shift is about to occur in the world of education. The shift is happening and it bolds well for the world of education and our students. I noticed the posting on the Citizen about Salman Kahn and his institute. This model of education that he is presenting is already in place. His philosophy of trying to free up teacher time and allow teachers more time to interact and instruct at each child’s level is where education is headed. When education adds declarative knowledge and dimensions of learning to Kahn’s model, we are looking at the direction education is growing today. Hence, the discussions about the four-day week is relative and essential for the future of our community, yet is only a small piece of the change and shift that has to happen in our school.
Salida and the rest of the country will see a shift in our education system and approach to the process. The school where I am currently teaching made a small shift in this direction right when I showed up. I was given ample coaching and professional development and I have watched the success build to the point now where we are almost entirely scrapping our math program. Not because it was not working because when we were using it we were in the top 80% for the NWEA testing, but because since we have made this shift of instruction we are now at the top 95%. So no matter what the decision here is, lets make sure we are committed to our children and their education and are ready to tackle the issues that lie ahead with a new pair of glasses. If we do not change, if we do not keep up, the Salman Kahn’s of the world will educate our children on the Internet free of charge.
Personally, I do not agree with the four-day school week. The discussions we are having currently are necessary and healthy for creating a community that cares and gets involved in education. Regardless, as the community makes this important decision for our youth I wholeheartedly support whatever decision is made.
I commend all those taking apart in the recent education movement in Salida. It is a great place and can even become greater.
I will also vouch for Mark….. his classroom is fluff-free!
Scott McFarland
American International School of Vienna
First Grade Teacher and Boy Varisty Soccer Coach
We are very lucky to have teachers like Scott spending their time and thoughtful energy with our children. Thank you!!! I spent 30 years in education and am also excited about the shift that Scott describes that is hopefully on the horizon. Our children and their learning potential deserve so much more than passing grades and an unbalanced focus on test scores. Luckily, we live in a community of incredible parents & teachers who are committed to doing just that…helping each and every child’s intellect and creativity flourish .
Given what we know about our children learn, I, too, disagree with the four day school week…AND, also love the discussion about what is truly best for our children and community. Thank you Salida Citizen for helping it keep moving forward!!!
There is great energy and effort in many areas of our Community to improve our educational system for the benefit of our future. Budget constraints and the desire to minimize/eliminate teacher or program cuts is driving the ‘Four Day Week’ discussion. The savings occur when the school is ‘shut’, on a four day model, for 20.5 days/school year. Even with the ‘closure days’ there is still a (manageable) budget gap that could be closed via the reserves and/or Community fund raising.
What about a five day week with school starting/ending as usual but with extended time off at Thanksgiving, Christmas/NewYears and Spring break? All during colder weather periods. Same summer break period. 20 days =’s 4 weeks time; manageable within the year and curriculum requirements? If school funding is expected to be under pressure for the foreseeable future should the ‘four day’ option be held when/if needed? Does this give the working parents, students depending on school meals, etc. a better option that also closes the school for ’20days’?