As we begin the second half of the school year, it is time for all of us to review the academic status of all our students. It is my hope and expectation that student progress has been routinely communicated to each student and family through progress reports, report cards, emails, conferences, phone calls, and personal conversations.
It is imperative, particularly in the beginning grades, to have ALL our students attaining the benchmarks for each content and grade level. As educators and parents, we should have a good sense as to whether or not our students are making progress toward the standards and curriculum they have been provided this school year. The one certain thing I know from personal experience is that if you have had any educational gaps early in your school experience and are pushed through a system, you never adequately or completely fill those gaps.
It may be time to have some very difficult conversations about whether our students need “The Gift of More Time” to fill in their academic gaps. Everyone learns differently and at a different pace. Some of us need “The Gift of More Time” to meet the standards. Our school district does have a policy (IKE) on procedures that must be followed in order to ensure our students are making adequate academic progress to be ready for the next academic level. I ask that you read the district policy (Policy Code: IKE Promotion, Retention & Acceleration of Students) and have a conversation with your student’s teachers and administrators to ensure you know the academic status of your students. Additionally, I would like to hear your thoughts on this blog topic “The Gift of More Time.” Let the conversation begin.
Sincerely,
Ken Healey
January 2019