December! The end of the semester. Classroom parties. Holiday concerts. Final exams. Is there a busier time of year in our schools, families and community? I am convinced that I was just writing a column about the first day of the school year, and now we have reached the midpoint. The semester has been full of academics and achievements, fun and friends, and challenges and opportunities. Like you, I have enjoyed the school carnivals, cheered our athletes, applauded our fine arts programs and participated in fundraisers. I think that we are all ready for the break.
Much has been done this fall, but much work remains ahead. Let me highlight two major issues:
We are working to develop next year’s school calendar. As you know, ALL public schools in Texas will begin classes Aug. 27, 2007. This mandatory start date compresses the fall semester and requires us to confront a number of questions that will impact students, staff and families. For example: Will the fall semester end in December? Will students take final exams in January? Will school end in May or June? There are no easy answers.
The only guarantee is that not everyone will be happy. We will weigh the impact of calendar proposals on schools, students, staffs and families. Please not: Proposals will be published and distributed in a variety of ways…and we will solicit your input.
Another front-burner issue involves a proposal often referred to as “4-by-4”…no, it’s not an SUV or an off-road vehicle – 4-by-4 is a mandate from the Texas legislature that students in the Texas Recommended High School Graduation Plan (the plan for most RISD students) successfully complete a fourth year of science and a fourth year of math (the requirement begins with students entering the ninth grade in 2007-08). This program has much merit, but once again, the devil is in the details. Additional required courses will limit the number of electives available to students – what will be the effect on fine arts and career and technology programs? Texas already faces a shortage of math and science teachers – where will we find the necessary, highly qualified teachers? RISD is seeking flexibility for meaningful implementation of this program to ensure that we address the needs of all students.
Thanks for your continued support of RISD and public education. Best wishes for a safe, enjoyable and meaningful holiday season.
See you at school…next year.
