Quote:
Originally posted by ZTAMich
As an Elem. teacher in NYC for the public schools I have a few things to say on this topic.  I'm not in favor of a K-8 building at all.
My biggest concern is as follows. Sadly, in many schools nationwide there are kids repeating a grade or two. This is a big problem in the city and in my school in particular. In any given class other then the Pre-K or K5 classes there is probably someone repeating that grade. Which could mean an 11 or 12 year old could be in 4th grade. Here are where some of the issues of growing up come into play. As some have said, these 'tweens' need to be in their own environment so that the best learning can occur. If they have earned the passing grades and promotions then by all means they deserve their own building!
At my school, which is Pre-K thru 4th grade, attached to the Elem building is the MS, grades 5-8. Each school has its own admin & staff. However, some of the staff members serve both the Elem & MS which means if the staff prsns office is in the Elem. School we have big teenagers walking thru our halls, etc etc etc. I think it makes some logical sense to keep 4th graders as the highest grade in an elem. building bc it is a high stress testing year. English Math & Science exams & passing grades are needed for promotion to 5th grade so I think some elem schools should end at 4th grade. In MS I'm a big fan of team teaching as well.
So in perhaps a vary unorganized way I said my 2cents here...
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Which school do you teach here in NYC? You can PM me. Depending on the school, I may have some questions for you.
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