Development of Classroom Lists for 2008-2009
by Bret Schroder
April 22, 2008
The school year is quickly coming to an end and it is once again time to think about the development of 2008-2009 class lists. This article is written to explain the process of placing students in classrooms as well as encouraging parent input.
The current grade level team of teachers will meet in order to discuss the individual learning styles of students and begin the placement process, i.e. 3rd grade teachers create the classroom lists for students entering 4th grade. Special area teachers such as physical education, enrichment, art, music, special education and English language learners will have input in creating lists to assure that classrooms reflect the diversity and variety of skills represented in the school system. As you may guess this process is somewhat complex; however, we believe the preparation and time is well worth the effort to assist students with a positive educational experience.
Crete Elementary Schools has always encouraged parental input and will continue with this theme. Parents may send written requests to the principal’s office describing the learning needs of their child or other information that may assist with his/her placement. Written requests are important because experience has proven that other forms of communication have sometimes been confusing.
Here are the guidelines that we have established for the next school year:
1. Written requests must be submitted to the principal’s office by Monday, April 28, 2008.
2. Please do not make a request for a specific teacher; however, a request not to have a specific teacher will be taken into consideration.
3. List any specific learning characteristics that your child may have (i.e. needs a structured classroom, needs a less restrictive classroom).
The elementary teaching assignments will undoubtedly experience changes between now and next year. We respectfully request that parents focus on the important learning characteristics of their child rather than an individual teacher or childhood friends that may or may not be in the classroom. The principal ultimately bares the responsibility for making final student placement decisions. This responsibility includes classroom placements as well as retention decisions.
Again, please submit written requests to the principal’s office by Monday, April 28, 2008.
