Board of Ed Delays Decision on Leveling, Moody Overcrowding

Nearly a hundred parents and residents listened, with the Board of Education to a proposal by Dr. John Hennelly, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction to end leveling at Keigwin and Woodrow Wilson Schools for language arts and math.

Hennelly explained that the proposal would bring all students into the same classroom for reading and language arts programs, eliminating stratification based on skill levels. He cited research from a number of sources which indicate that such a move, combined with smaller class sizes, appropriate education materials ("just right reading") geared toward a variety of levels, increased attention to behavioral issues and retraining of students would increase the language arts achievement of low performing students and high peforming students alike.

Several members of the public objected to the proposal, claiming that it would be detrimental to high achieving students, disruptive when students with behavioral issues were introduced to classes, and would rob low-achieving students to some music and foreign language classes.

"You're bringing advanced achievers down, and that's not fair," said parent Erin Guevarez.

"This strategy is only going to breed mediocrity in our students," another parent, Jackie Gardell, said.

But other residents rose to defend the proposal including Daniel Long, a sociology of education professor at Wesleyan University who said that his survey of the research indicates that in many other parts of the country, the program is very successful.

"Advanced students don't suffer at all in a mixed classroom," Long said.

Board of Ed member Corinne Gill introduced a motion which would prevent administrators from making any changes which would eliminate levelling of students. The motion passed with all but two members voting to prohibit changes, but a second motion by Gill put discussion of the proposal on the agenda as a workshop so that research could be studied, and the Curriculum Committee had a chance to consider the proposal.

In another matter, the Board heard a report from JCJ Architecture who are investigating issues of overcrowding in Moody and Mcdonough Schools. The firm recommended no action in the upcoming year, and suggested that a complete report, due in the third quarter, might indicate that attendance boundaries may need to be redrawn to solve the overcrowding.

Moody parents and teachers were dismayed to hear that no action would be taken. Parents and teachers testified to problems with severe overcrowding and the affect it is having on students, teachers and the quality of education.

Second grade Moody School teacher Heather Rodman cited a long list of specific problems caused by the overcrowding.

"Moody doesn't like being in neutral," Rodman said. "We need a plan and we need help. Tomorrow is going to be a rainy day. I invite you all to come and see the problems we face at Moody."

A more extensive and detailed report on the Board of Education meeting will be published later today.