The Del Mar Union School District is fortunate to be located in such a passionate and proactive community. DMUSD parents are passionate about the education of their children and everyone in the community is rightfully concerned that those entrusted to make fair, fiscally-sound decisions, do so.
These community characteristics have certainly been evident in the discussion about the Spanish Discovery Program proposed for the Del Mar Heights School. I appreciate those in the community who are willing to get involved, to ask the necessary questions, and to contribute fair, rational suggestions that help resolve issues associated with any DMUSD matter. Thankfully, the DMUSD community has raised a number of legitimate concerns that must be answered in order for the Spanish Discovery Program to go forward and to be sustainable.
Over the past weeks, members of the board have talked to many community members and have read hundreds of letters, emails and petitions regarding the proposed Spanish program. I recognize and share many of questions and concerns that have been raised about the program. Unfortunately, some of the information and concerns presented in this mound of material is unfounded and/or inaccurate. As the board resumes its discussion of this issue at the continuation of the board meeting on June 11, I expect the important questions to be asked again and I expect that our capable district staff will be able to provide honest, fair, and fiscally-sound answers to the questions.
There are two facts related to the proposed program that I hope will clear up some of the confusion and misinformation that is circulating regarding the program: 1) cancelling the Spanish Discovery Program will not reduce the ESC staffing at the Heights; 2) cancelling the Spanish Discovery Program will not create a third class section at Del Mar Hills. The enrollment from the Hills/Heights attendance area is projected by Davis Demographics to remain fairly consistent (at about 100 students) for the next seven years. This equates to five classes of kindergarten for the Hills/Heights attendance area. Based on demand from their respective neighborhoods, the Heights has been allocated three kindergarten classes and the Hills has been allocated two kindergarten classes. The additional fourth class at the Heights is a result of Carmel Valley children opting to enroll in the Spanish Discovery Program.
Some have raised concerns that all of the details of the Spanish Discovery Program have not been fully developed. While I certainly agree that we need well-thought out programs, it is important to realize that the education model is somewhat different than a business model.
In business, it is expected that data will be analyzed inside and out, backwards and forwards to develop plans that address every possible contingency. In education, programs are planned with equal care and concern but the process differs upon implementation. Take, for example, our writing program (which is offered only as an example and not a point of discussion). During the year, students have regular minor writing assessments, coupled with periodic major writing assessments. The teachers meet to review the results of these assessments, even with a curriculum that is ‘tried-and-true.” Sometimes, teachers learn that what worked well with one group of students didn’t work well with another group. Sometimes what worked last year didn’t work this year. Based on what is working, and what isn’t working, instruction changes. This is the heart of the Professional Learning Community (PLC) model that the entire DMUSD has embraced. Teachers collaborate to develop a fluid program that ultimately helps all students learn.
I believe the premise of the Professional Learning Community is fundamental to the success of the Spanish Discovery Program. Over many years, Heights teachers and staff have researched and planned what they feel to be the optimum curriculum model for the Spanish Discovery Program and they have determined the best way to introduce the program next year. The creators of this program admit that some of questions cannot be answered at this time but they have the experience and wisdom of the Professional Learning Community to make sure the program is assessed and adjusted to be successful. Certainly there will be adjustments made to the Spanish program, but in my opinion taking an additional year to study/develop the program isn’t what is needed. Sometimes all the answers are not known in advance and we have to trust that our highly qualified staff will do the best to make our programs work.
However, with that said, there are important questions that still need to be answered about the Spanish Discovery Program. Some of these questions are related to the fiscal impact of the program. Most district programs, including the proposed Spanish program, are explicitly linked to enrollment data. Experience has shown that enrollment numbers across the entire district will continue to change over the summer. While district staff can estimate the cost, until actual enrollment is known when the school year begins, the exact cost of a program, such as the Spanish program, will remain an estimate.
Another important question relates to the issue of whether the Spanish Discovery Program needs four classes at grade K. As proposed, this program requires four classes at grade K (two with Spanish and two without.) However, since the Hills/Heights attendance area only generates enough enrollment for five class sections, will the Hills be forever the school designated to have only two incoming kindergarten classes? This is a very legitimate concern.
As a board member, I want to ensure that we do not make decisions that have unintended consequence of this type and that we are utilizing district resources optimally. Discussions with district staff have revealed that there are at least two parts to the answer of this question.
Unfortunately, something that seems to be forgotten in the discussion of the Spanish Discovery Program is that the Heights views 2008-2009 as a pilot year for this program. Principal Wardlow has indicated that during this first year, teachers and staff will be assessing the various components of the program. A different instructional model may be created as a result. For the pilot year, four classes are proposed. Beyond the first year, other options will be considered. Some have suggested, for example, that it might be even better to give all students the option for Spanish Discovery. This would eliminate the need for any specific number of classes.
If the Spanish Discovery Program moves forward, the board must provide explicit expectations for the program’s sustainability. As example, when the Heights returns next Spring for an update and decision about moving forward, I would expect that additional delivery models are brought forward that would not have a long term negative impact on the Hills.
The second part of the issue of whether the Spanish Discovery Program needs four classes at grade K involves the Hills and the district office. In my view it is in the best interest of the district to continue to have both the Hills and Heights be viable schools.
The Hills has a wonderful program. Over time, our other schools have adopted components of the Hills program. However, the way that the Hills integrates and delivers their curriculum is truly unique. If the Hills wanted support from the district office to help their existing, wonderful program grow, I would be committed to ensuring district office support. One potential example of this support could be to create a special “district-wide” class, for the existing program, to ease applications and provide a guarantee of continued enrollment. I am sure that the Hills community has many great ideas as well that can be explored over the next few months.
As the DMUSD moves forward, providing opportunities for continued growth are important. However, the district does face many fiscal challenges in trying to find stable funding to continue to deliver the exceptional programs we already offer. I encourage all of you to be part of the solution.
Annette Easton
President, DMUSD Board of Trustees
|