Question – Dr. Bates, Regarding the Pole Vaulting analogy, how are teachers to help their students transition when there are 38-43 students in their classes?
Response – Thanks for your response and question. What I have been most pleased about is the reality that all across our district there are glowing bright spots. There are teachers in all of our schools all across the district whose students have proficiency rates much higher than might have been expected given class sizes as you’ve described them or a myriad of other factors you didn’t mention. We are making a concerted effort as a district to identify these bright spots and see what can be done to replicate their achievement.
Sticking with the analogy, I’m suggesting we talk with high jump coaches whose kids have won championships and find out what works for them and their kids despite the long lists of challenges they face. As a counselor, you might have opportunity to look at achievement in your school and other schools through your own professional network (I certainly hope you’re talking with counselors in other schools about what’s working). Learn and share!
Thanks for your question.