News from the Superintendent: December 1, 2008

November 30, 2008

Dear APS Community Member,

Welcome back. I hope you had a wonderful holiday and are ready to make the last big push for the final three weeks of the first semester. This might be one of the fastest semesters I’ve ever seen.

There is a dramatic change proposed for high schools regarding block scheduling that I think will greatly improve the success of our secondary students. The block schedule allows longer class periods for teachers to go more in-depth with their lessons. Seven high schools already use some form of block schedule, but we would like to standardize the schedule so that students who transfer don’t come up short in the number of credits they need to graduate.

After much discussion with teachers and principals facilitated by Linda Sink, a task force made up of teachers and principals is proposing that a schedule of seven classes be implemented. Three would be held on Mondays and Wednesdays, three on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and all seven would be held on Fridays. A seventh class would be held every day. It would probably be a remedial class, algebra or foreign language class that students would benefit from taking every day. It sounds more confusing than it really is.

I’m really in favor of all high schools moving to this kind of schedule because research shows that longer class periods improve learning. Teachers have more lesson time that isn’t eaten up by settling everyone down, taking attendance and other housekeeping matters. It still allows time, though, for students who need extra work in a particular subject the opportunity to catch up with their peers. More details will be worked out this week.

Del Norte High School is going to add a science-based magnet component in 2010. Sandia Labs and Intel have generously agreed to help support funding for a project-based learning program created by the New Technology Foundation. Earlier this fall, a delegation including Eddie Soto, Becky Almeter, Jo Sloan and I visited schools in Dallas that use this program and have great success with it. Students work in small groups on specific projects that are engaging and keep students in school. We expect it to attract more students to Del Norte.

The calendar for the 2009-2010 school year has been approved by the board. School starts on Aug. 17 next year, a bit later than the past couple of years. That’s something parents and staff have asked for. I’m delighted that APS, CNM and UNM will have spring break at the same time. That will make it easier for families trying to make vacation plans or manage child care issues. I want to thank the calendar committee for its time in planning it all out.

The APS Education Foundation is sponsoring a food drive through the month of December. Non-perishable items can be dropped off at City Centre during the next three weeks. Donations will be given to Roadrunner Food Bank for distribution to needy families in the community. We’ve seen our thoughtful students work hard to raise funds for all kinds of worthy causes throughout the year, and now it’s our turn to pitch in. I encourage you to join me in helping provide a happy holiday season for families who are struggling through these tough economic times.

Have a great week.

Sincerely,

Winston Brooks, Superintendent
Albuquerque Public Schools