Major Changes For Linden Area Schools Underway
“Market forces have changed the employment and education landscape in our community,” said Superintendent Harris, introducing the recommendations made by the Linden Area Task Force’s Feasibility and Implementation Team to the Columbus Board of Education.
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“All schools in the Linden feeder pattern will be aligned to STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) curriculum from PreK through 12th grade,” reported Pete Maneff, CCS Executive Director of High School Curriculum. At the elementary school level, Math/Science Specialists and Reading Tutors will be allocated to each school to lower class sizes. Pre-Kindergarten and 6th grade will be added to each elementary school in the Linden feeder pattern.
Math and reading instruction in STEM schools will be increased to minimize the achievement gap. Tutoring in grades K-3 as well as summer opportunities for students in grades 1 and 2 will be available, said Maneff. 4th graders will experience smaller classes in math, science and reading, while the Unified Arts will continue to be an integral and integrated part of the curriculum without a reduction in the services students receive today.
In the 2009-2010 school year, the first secondary class of 7th graders will enter Linden McKinley High School. Due to the requirements of the Ohio CORE curriculum, students in 7th grade will begin to take Pre-Algebra in order to be on track to take AP Calculus in 12th grade. At the end of 9th grade, students will select one 3 small learning communities which include: Engineering, Learning Arts or Global Leadership and Public Policy.
The changes in curriculum is not without cost, however.
“Major costs of the program will be covered by the reallocation from existing grants,” said Maneff. “Approximately $175,000 will be moved from the General Fund to cover the Linden STEM Campus.”
Superintendent Harris noted that the goal is to “create a program that is sustainable and transportable to other communities”.
Board Member Stephanie Groce asked how the staff would be selected to work in the Linden Area STEM Schools.
“CEA President Rhonda Johnson and I will meet with the staffs,” responded Harris. “We want the teachers who want to stay to stay because of the relationships that have been built with the families and community members. We are confident that the resources we are providing them to get the work done with the students will be incentives for teachers to stay.”