Visioning Summit Summary
Visioning Summit Summary
Excerpts from CMS Visioning Philosophy / Curriculum Committee:


The grouping team recommended:

  • “Support a modified version of homogeneous [levelled] grouping.”
  • “Build on a solid foundation of proven academic excellence created by the staff and
    administration of EAJHS, and continue to support an environment that allows teachers
    opportunities to take risks and experiment with change.”
  • “Maintain departmental structure and homogeneous [levelled] grouping in academic areas.”
  • “Encourage heterogeneous grouping within the team by promoting flexibility within the
    levels… when appropriate.”

In its report it specifically highlighted concerns:

  • “Heterogeneous [mixed ability] groups cannot meet the needs of Level 1 and Level 3
    students, especially in math and reading.  Level 2 academic classes are already
    heterogeneous in nature.”
  • “Maintain advanced classes for Level 1 students and rigorous standards throughout the
    school.”
  • “Heterogeneous [mixed ability] grouping may result in more discipline problems, teacher
    frustration, and damaged self-esteem for children at the top and bottom levels.”


The curriculum team recommended:

  • “Community input [must] be fully addressed.  This is also a recommendation of the New
    England Association of Schools and Colleges.”

In its report it specifically highlighted concerns:

  • “To have a successful program, everyone needs to understand any changes that have
    been made from the present Junior High to the new framework.  The process of
    determination of the needs of the curriculum should include the representation of the
    school board, administration, teachers, support staff, parents, and community.”


The community team recommended:

  • “The organizational philosophy, curriculum, and pedagogy of the present school should be
    continued and affirmed in the new middle level school.”
  • “The department structure should be maintained.”
  • “There should be consistent communication.”
  • “The academic standards of the Level 100 courses should be maintained.  Higher
    expectations in terms of quality and challenge in Level 200 and 300 should be
    established.  Students should be encouraged to achieve to the highest level of courses.”
  • “A consistent and appropriate homework policy… should be established.”
  • “Students should be homogeneously (same ability) grouped for the core subjects of math,
    language arts, science, and social studies.”
  • “A community advisory board should be established with voluntary representation from
    each town.”
  • “Foreign language should be available to all students and should be introduced in the sixth
    grade.”
Does today's Cooperative Middle School fit
this vision that was so painstakingly laid out
before its opening?  Does today's CMS meet
the specific goals laid out in this visioning
report?  Why have the Cooperative Board and
SAU16 administration led our middle school
down a different path not chosen by our
faculty, parents, or community?

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