RenewSteller Jan. 31, 2007 meeting

 

School Organization Discussion Group

Facilitator: Robin Wohlforth; Recorder: Nina Bonito

 

It’s not just product and content; it’s process

 

  1. Counseling Groups.

How are student advocates different from the role of teacher-as-counselor? How can we strengthen this role? Are all students receiving this benefit? Is the advocate within Steller or another adult in the student’s life?

- Students have a responsibility to participate positively, respect the process

- Role of counseling group and teacher-as-counselor needs to be defined at a future time. (Look at timing of CGroup meetings)

- Define Parent Liaison role more fully so that they may better serve intended purpose.

- Purpose of CGroup?

                        Are there age-related perceptions about validity of CGroup?

                        What are the commonalities among CGroups?

 

  1. Flexible scheduling

What would this look like? Can we meet ASD requirements and add options?

We could do the numbers and meet requirements creatively

Pursuit of areas of interest in-depth can be better managed outside traditional 6-per-day

Self-directed classes can be more meaningful

Takes a lot of trust by all parties involved

Flexible scheduling =

            moving away from separate curricular components

            integrated content

            non-traditional time blocks

            outcome-based, not seat time

            multiple credits for same project

 

  1. Rules & Bureaucracy

What would ‘zero rules’ look like?

Trust students to do the right thing and/or learn from their mistakes

Freedom and responsibilities are great but at times rules give direction.

 

  1. Smaller School Size

What would this look like?

Smaller communities foster more trust ~ can share a common vision, philosophy

Might divide us into “subschools” or school-within-a-school

A larger community can offer more support, variety

Would staff numbers be affected?

Different personalities appeal to different people

This item should not be discussed yet; other issues are more pressing. Drop this Item

Haven’t heard “pros” for smaller size

This item grabs student attention and diverts it away from other more important items

Size may affect funding

Reduction in numbers/staff=reduction in opportunities

Economics of scale?=tipping point?