Understanding the K-8 Model: A Series Concluded

It’s no secret that Plainfield’s middle schools have been missing the mark for quite some time. The good news is that the conversation is no longer a whisper but meaningful dialog has ensued, and more importantly, our recently appointed Superintendent is working on a strategic plan to not only fill the gaps but to exploit the educational talents and expertise of district personnel to ensure PPS becomes a premiere – “Blue Ribbon” district. With the appointment of a new Principal at Maxson – and the retention of the current administration at Hubbard along with the introduction of two (K-8) model schools (Cedarbrook & Cook Elementary) – the stage is being set for a dynamic and course altering school year!

In addition to considerations given to our poor testing results, I am sure that the mass exodus of students scheduled to enter our middle schools has also precipitated the need to find the right educational mix for Plainfield. We cannot ignore the $ in this reform equation, and after Tuesday’s presentation at the BOE meeting…the monies being paid for alternative education (i.e. Charter Schools) are staggering, and the deficit funding going forward is even more astounding. Reportedly K-8 models are less expensive because they enable schools to “return to scale”. In laymen’s terms this simply means each person, position, and part that contributes to the whole is fully utilized thus enabling optimal output – and that is after all our collective goal – Optimal Output!

A Note of Caution --- Even with all the positive and supportive statistics behind the K-8 model there are certainly challenges and potential issues that will need to be mitigated. First and foremost elementary schools are funded at a lower level and as such those schools that migrate to this model will more than likely receive less funding dollars in an already deficit funding structure. Second, counselors who are traditionally prepared for elementary level issues will have to gear up to meet the social, emotional and physically challenges that span a nine-year developmental period. Other pertinent areas of concern include: facility upgrades, revised attendance zones and transportation, collective bargaining agreements, professional development programs and opportunities, and finally neglecting opportunities to continuously examine other initiatives to improve performance. None of these instances are showstoppers but they must remain on the radar screen of our administrators to ensure appropriate and timely contingencies are planned for and implemented effectively.

Most journalist/writers stray away from injecting their own conclusion as a way to stir the reader’s imagination and come to their own conclusion. I, however, do not profess to be like most writers. Although I prefer readers to come to their own conclusion, I certainly cannot ignore or abdicate my opinions on the matters for which I write. The thrust behind PEPTalk is to give parents and the community a means by which to express their individual and collective voices. With that said, I am supportive of the K-8 model for all the reasons shared with you during this series. However, it should be understood that appropriate and effective school modeling is cyclical – that is to say – what will work now may not work 5 years or 10 years from now, but through constant monitoring, metrics and community involvement the right mix will always be in scope – before our scores hit rock bottom.

In conclusion, I offer the following quote from Mr. Keith Look:

“No grade configuration in and of itself replaces the ultimate importance of skilled teachers, visionary leaders, and equitable fiscal resources. Nor is there any single middle grade intervention that will solve the century-old questions of adolescent education.”

I thank you kindly for your indulgence over the past week and pray you found the information both informative and relevant. If there are topics you would like to read more about facing the Plainfield School Community – please feel free to send your suggestions to: rasrahmataz@comcast.net. I will make every effort to cover your concerns.

(The information, facts and some suggested conclusions were sourced from the following: www.philaedfund.org/notebook/TheGreatK8Debate.htm and www.oppaga.state.fl.us/reports/pdf/0502rpt.pdf)