10/16/98
Opelika * Auburn News* THE NEWSPAPER OF EAST ALABAMA*10/16/98
Letter: Efforts needed in Auburn schools
I am writing in response to thc letter from (a) P.E. teacher at Auburn Early Education Center. I had the opportunity of working with (her) for three years. She is very dedicated to her profession and her students. While working at AEEC, I could observe the hectic schedule she encountered on a daily basis. While the teachers have approximately a two-hour break daily from structured instruction (P.E., recess, lunch, music), (she) was not afforded this opportunity. I would think 10 classes a day of 5- and 6 year-olds would lead to burnout and stress.
From this point on, I disagree with her reasons to support YRS. I chose the profession of nursing for the same reasons she chose teaching. I have 25 years in the nursing profession. For 20 of those years, I have worked 5 days a week, most holidays, every other weekend and shifts. I have been allowed only a one-week vacation at any time. I, too, would like time off at Christmas to shop, decorate visit relatives and spend time with my children. I would enjoy frequent breaks during the year to decrease stress from my profession. But I am not allowed the breaks already in the school schedule. Like (her), I was aware of the hours for my profession when I accepted my position.
I feel most families in our community work the same schedules as (she) and I. But is this a reason to require our children to lose their summer vacation. If only 3 percent of the nation's schools are trying YRS, I don't think so. Since 3 percent of the population are trying home schooling should we be advocating this for Auburn?
In 1993 I heard Dr. Richardson and Dr. Freeman propose several changes for ACS:
(1) YRS---Dr. Freeman has now studied this for five years (not since 1997). The information mailed to parents lists criteria for at risk students. She reports the academic concerns are primarily sixth-grade to kindergarten The sixth grade class was the first to attend AEEC and the exposure to Whole Language. Each subsequent grade has had this same exposure and now show academic concerns.
(2) Elimination of 11th and 12th-grade---Dr. Richardson has discussed this at the recent Alabama State P.T.A. meeting. I wonder what his plan is for the students? Could there be some ties with the junior colleges we have yet to learn'?
(3) Mandatory education for 3- and 4-year-old children ----These students will be exposed to the doctrine of Freeman and AEEC for two to three years--- not just one. What will our academic concerns be by their sixth-grade year?
(4) Concern over empty buildings and expenses during summer breaks to school systems---With the criteria proposed for at-risk students your child and mine could help fill these buildings in the summer. Don't reserve your condo yet!
Perhaps the problem is not enhanced education for ACS. Maybe we need to look at changes at the early education program. Studies have shown schools changing from Whole Language' and returning to basic phonic concepts. Perhaps we would not have the at-risk students which is the concept behind changing to YRS. This would eliminate all our concerns and retain our current school schedule. And while the school board is looking at this let's get the AEEC teacher and all P.E. teachers more help so there will be less stress for teachers, parents and students.
Marty BriceAuburn
Letter: YRS turnout upsets parent
I attended the Auburn City Schools public forum on alternate calendar/year round school Monday night at the high school. I was appalled at the low turnout. The auditorium may have been half full. Is this an indication that parents do not care?
Are all of the other parents IN FAVOR of the proposed school year changes? Or is it that parents do not feel that their input will make an impact on this important decision?
I agree, it does appear that the decision has already been made. However, if you do not participate in the process, you do not have any right to complain or take credit in the future. They are OUR children. Aren't they worth YOUR time?
D.N. SymuleskiAuburn