Teacher Raises Concerns

A Letter to the Editor in The Transcript from Susan Chilson, a veteran teacher in the North Adams School District, addressed concerns she has with cuts being made to staff and programs.

A local blogger (who has long-time issues with the administration of the North Adams School District) supports her views by saying that he has "had conversations with dozens (yes, dozens) of teachers who have voiced frustrations over many different subjects in the past couple years." He goes on to say that "I do not think I know Susan Chilson, at least not by name." I find it curious that for someone that has talked to "dozens (yes, dozens)" of teachers, this local blogger does not know Susan Chilson; a North Adams School District teacher for 20+ years - and a former member of the NATA board. How is it possible that someone so close to so many ("dozens") North Adams teachers does not know of Susan Chilson?

I know Susan Chilson; I like Susan Chilson; I respect Susan Chilson as a great teacher & a great parent. I share her concerns and frustration with any cuts made to staff and programs. But let's set the record clear on staff and program cuts.

Staff and program cuts are not exclusive to the North Adams School District. It's unfortunately happening everywhere - locally, regionally and state-wide - for a variety of reasons. In North Adams' case specifically, decisions for cuts to staff and programs proposed in the FY2008 budget are driven by decreased enrollment in the school district. As a result of declining enrollment, cuts to staff can be made without impacting the integrity of the programs. Decreased enrollment has led to, in many cases, very small class sizes - under 15, some under 10 students. For those programs (class subjects), the same students can be served with fewer teachers while continuing to hold class sizes under 20. In regard to Susan Chilson's reference to specific programs that have been cut or reduced, again this is driven by enrollment - (French will be offered at Conte Middle School in 2007-08).

Regarding declining enrollment, some of this is due to declining population in the city - much of it is due to negative perceptions (& in some cases, negative realities) of the middle school - some of it is due to the charter school. Declining enrollment is not a new phenomena. It has been going on for many years.

We will be addressing declining enrollments in part by examining the feasibility of grade reconfiguration. More specifically, converting to K-8's and eliminating the middle school. This will not be a magic bullet - but if implemented (and done so correctly), will likely provide a significant improvement in the academic and social experience of the students in the North Adams schools.

And let me add - the city of North Adams contributes to the school district close to $4 million dollars over the state "required minimum local contribution". If that was not the case, you would obviously see much deeper cuts.

A Bump In The Road

The middle school concept, in my opinion, creates a bump in the road to the academic and social growth of the children the schools are educating. It disrupts the flow of the social and academic growth of the developing child. Research and anecdotal evidence all over the country shows that doing this is perhaps doing the opposite of what it was intended to do – instead of helping the kids through the rapid changes they’re going through at this age, the middle school is adding to the challenges the kids are facing. Moving to a new unfamiliar environment at 6th grade – to a larger school with teachers they don’t know, with kids they don’t know, with more demands and stress heaped on them – is not the way to make their lives a smooth transition during this difficult time.

The answer in my opinion and in the opinion of many across the country is the conversion back to K-8 Schools. The North Adams School District will be considering the feasibility of this conversion over the next few weeks and months. Your input is welcome.

Thirty Advantages (There's Others) of K-8 Over Middle School

1 Better student academic performance

2 Greater parental support

3 Smaller class size

4 Reduced drop-out rates

5 Lower absenteism rates

6 Lower transportation costs

7 Better student behavior

8 Higher student self-esteem

9 Better continuity & stability (one less transition)

10 Reduced sexual activity

11 Longer term student & teacher relationships

12 Mentoring benefits to younger students

13 Older student leadership role improvements

14 Decreased anxiety

15 Best practice middle grade implementation

16 Opportunuties for accelerated learning

17 Improved teacher collaboration

18 Reduced "falling through the cracks" issues

19 Greater opportunity for success for "at-risk" students

20 Improved internal accountability

21 Less anonymity

22 More opportunity for adult supervision

23 Decreased transfer out-of-district numbers

24 A more seamless transition through grades

25 Healthier adolescent development

26 Improved positive student attitudes toward school

27 Increased student motivation, less disengagement

28 A safer, more familiar environment

29 Less victimization by other students

30 Decreased peer pressure