A Process Problem in our Schools

The following letter was sent this morning to the East Haddam Board of Education members.  I encourage other concerned parents to do the same.

Dear Mrs. Haslam,

Last evening’s presentation of the new bell schedule was the most frustrating and heated exchange I have witnessed regarding school policy in East Haddam.  We were promised last May that parents, teachers and students would all be part of the process before a new schedule was developed.  Although Mr. Spencer informed us that he did speak with some parents, teachers and students, there was no public forum in which to air our concerns.   We went to last evening’s presentation, expecting to have an open and honest exchange.    Imagine our surprise when we were informed that this was an informational meeting only, and that the schedule change was a done deal.  It became clear to the parents, teachers and students present that this administration never had any intention of working with us. 

Student’s that participated in last year’s focus group informed us that their questions to the administration about the new schedule were never answered.  They now have even more questions and feel that they were never truly a part of the process. 

The teachers that attended the meeting last night were clearly as frustrated about the process as we are.  Last night they were forced to justify how their block of time is spent under the current schedule.  The Board of Education has been told by the administration that the majority of teachers at the high school are in favor of this schedule change.  The president of the Teachers Association informed us from the audience that over 80% of the teachers are against it.  This statement was rudely challenged and dismissed by Mr. Spencer.

Parent’s concerns are being ignored.  With this new schedule, the administration will give the children of East Haddam less class time and increased class sizes.  The administration is telling us that this is what is needed but has not provided us with any documented proof.  As a former teacher, I am sure you are well aware, increased class sizes is a detriment to students and teachers alike.  

Even the students are aware that making this change coupled with a new curriculum and new grading policy is too much and they pointed out that when you are trying to scientifically evaluate any system in order to determine its strengths and weaknesses, you apply variables individually, not all at once. 

I’ve spoken with numerous area schools regarding their practices and schedules.  I’ve read articles and studies.  The only conclusion I can come to is that a change of this magnitude, adding to the already two large changes we are being forced to accept, will be detrimental to our children, our teachers and our community as a whole.

As a parent, I am asking you, as a former teacher and current Chairman of the BOE, to hear our concerns and do what is right for the children of East Haddam. Please delay the implementation of this schedule until all concerns have been addressed.  The parents of East Haddam want to sit down and have an honest and open conversation with the BOE about this and other issues as soon as possible.