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Space and Program PlanningSpace and Program PlanningTask Force ReportTask Force Report

Needham Public SchoolsNeedham Public Schools

October 2005

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Space and Program Planning Task Force Members

Robert Abbey Joseph Barnes

Holly Clarke Marianne CooleyDawn Dow Nancy Foot

Jennifer Grant David Harris

George Johnson Julia Lipman

Louise Miller Stephen Theall

Anne Whittredge

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• Evaluate the educational consequences of a Grade 5-8 middle school

• Determine whether such a model is in the children’s best interest.

Charge

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PROCESS

1. Visit and analyze effectiveness of existing operating grade 5-8 middle schools in the area to determine their educational efficacy for students.

2. Review available research literature regarding educational efficacy of a 5-8 middle school model.

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RESEARCH FINDINGS

• There is very little research specifically about 5-8 middle schools.

• The National Middle School Association does state:

• “The importance of the type of program and qualities of learning environment, not grade organization is the key to successful experiences for fifth graders.”

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RESEARCH FINDINGS

• It is essential that the program and learning environment of a 5-8 school pay careful attention to the learning and development needs of young adolescent children.

• A school for children at this age must create an environment which feels safe and familial as well as provide the possibility of small learning communities.

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RESEARCH FINDINGS

• Transitions for children are disruptive to their learning and to their development.

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SITE VISIT FINDINGS

• Grade configuration decisions driven by enrollment/space needs

• Administrators/teachers are pleased with the model

• Parent anxiety is significant particularly in first years of operation

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SITE VISIT FINDINGS

• Parent affiliation is greater in a four- year school than in a three-year school

• Fifth graders are ready for and benefit from middle schools after school activity programs

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CONCLUSIONS

• Viable model if properly planned and resourced

• Significant time and planning needs to be dedicated to the educational program as well as ways in which students and adults will be organized for learning within the building

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CONCLUSIONS

• Essential to clearly communicate middle school philosophy and priorities to parents of fourth graders

• Issues and decisions related to grade configuration, isolation and integration must be thoroughly considered and resourced

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CONCLUSIONS

• Transition planning is essential

• A variety of logistical, construction design, and Pollard retrofit issues will need to be examined

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NEXT STEPS

By Winter 2006, prepare recommendations for the resolution of elementary and middle school space problems in the near and middle-term (September 2006 – September 2009 or 2010).

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NEXT STEPS

Beginning in May 2006, a group should reconsider the middle and long-term needs of the schools in light of the Townwide Facilities Master Plan.

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NEXT STEPS

Should the School Committee decide that a K-4, 5-8 grade configuration in Needham be further investigated, research and evaluate the ways in which students and adults should be organized for learning within a 5-8 middle school building.