[Apshpe] ELT Update

[High Plain Elementary School Mailing List]

Dear High Plain Families,

Below you will find an update on our participation in the feasibility
study of Expanded Learning Time (ELT) at High Plain. This planning grant
was offered through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education (DESE, formerly DOE). We hope the following
information sheds further light on ELT. 

 

The DESE, in partnership with Mass2020, provided us with guidelines to
rethink how time is used throughout the school day in order to improve
student achievement, with the opportunity of redesigning our school day.
In October 2007, we surveyed parents and the majority of parents told us
that they were interested in exploring the possibility of Expanded
Learning Time. Based on data gathered through academic assessments,
parent and staff surveys, and parent focus groups, the ELT committee has
identified two key components for our proposal:

*         Mathematics

*         Science and Technology

(including an emphasis on differentiated instruction and project based
learning to better meet the needs of all learners). 

 

The DESE has required that the proposal also include enrichment
opportunities that are tied directly to our curriculum (i.e. Math
League, foreign language, small group/individualized learning) and
professional development opportunities for our faculty that are linked
to our children's different learning needs. The overall goal is to
improve student achievement by enhancing and strengthening our current
curriculum. 

 

Our draft proposal is due to the state in July, and we wanted to be able
to share a model with our parent community and faculty for feedback.
With that goal in mind, we are planning a meeting at High Plain on
Tuesday June 10th at 7PM to share the model and hear your reflections on
the school day redesign. 

 

Based on your continued input toward the redesign, we are considering
two time schedules: 7:45 AM to 3:15 PM or 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

 

Timeline:

June 10, 2008: Preliminary ELT model shared with parent community and
faculty at a school wide meeting. For those who can't attend, backpack
information will be sent with an opportunity to submit your thoughts. 

 

July 31, 2008: Draft proposal is due to the DESE.

 

October 2008: We will receive a critique on our proposal from the DESE
and Mass2020. They will assist us in further developing our proposal.

 

October-December 2008: Continued parent, faculty, and community
discussion to refine proposal. 

 

December 1, 2008: Final proposal due to DESE.   

 

It is important to note that High Plain has the opportunity to step away
from this process at any point in time if it becomes evident that the
implementation of ELT is not right for our students, parents, and
faculty.

 

We look forward to your continued involvement, and feedback. 

 

The High Plain ELT Committee


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