You are the new superintendent of a new school district in your state. Congratulations.
You have been given permission by the school board to take a traditional k-12 program and make any five changes to it you would like to make. What are those changes?
For me:
1. The school day:
2. Periods:
3. Pathways:
4. Project and Standards Based Learning
5. Inclusion of Fine Arts (Music, Drama, Studio Art, Digital Art) at each level, every day:
I have thoughts on each of these which I will share in comments, but I would love to see what others think first.
5a. Inclusion of physical education class at each level, every day. Only in IL is daily PE mandated K-12, although districts can (and do) petition the state to replace PE with academic periods. Quality PE, that builds a positive attitude towards individual,lifelong sport or activity habits can pay dividends for society and the adult in the long run. Although there is mixed evidence on a link between PE and academic performance, there is evidence that activity can assist with short-term attention in class.
ReplyDeleteAt the very least, rotate PE with the fine arts ("specials" in our district lingo) as a permanent part of the weekly academic curriculum.
I agree with you, Kathleen. It cannot always be about improving academic performance. We also need to factor in quality of life, satisfaction, and transferable skills. Plus, I do believe that school should be fun. Good PE is fun.
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