Core classes being cut or minimized in Wake County (Durham: appointed, house) - Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary - North Carolina (NC) -The Triangle Area - City-Data Forum

FluidFreedom · 08-26-2010, 07:45 PM

My children started school at Fuquay Middle this year and I was very disappointed in the fact that 2 of the core classes have been cut to only half a year due to the fact that they do not have enough teachers on staff.

Math and LA will remain full year classes, but Science and Social Studies have been cut to only a semester for each. What will this mean for the students when they go to HS? Will they be behind in those subjects? How will that affect them in testing?

Have other schools in Wake had this issue?

7 Wishes · 08-26-2010, 07:50 PM

HMM, are they claiming there's a "shortage" of teachers or are they crying budgets?

I understand budget cuts and all but this is sad......

FluidFreedom · 08-26-2010, 07:55 PM

Honestly I have heard both as reasons, but mostly the lack of staff.

Wake County is really making me seriously rethink keeping my child in public school.

RaleighLass · 08-26-2010, 08:02 PM

Crazy! There are lots of teachers looking for jobs. I think it's the budget and not lack of teachers.

jamangirl · 08-27-2010, 04:35 AM

Wow. I didn't think cutting core classes was an option. For budget issues, usually schools do away with certain electives, increase class size, make parents pay for buses or to play on sports teams but compromising core education shouldn't be the first line of defense.

nclass · 08-27-2010, 05:31 AM

This is really disturbing - cutting science? How are the kids going to make up?

FluidFreedom · 08-27-2010, 06:17 AM

I have an appointment to speak with the principle about this. I am really concerned as are other parents who showed up to the open house on the 23rd. Last night I was up until about midnight researching this as well as looking into the homeschool possibilities.

bellasformas · 08-27-2010, 08:33 AM

Is Fuquay Middle on a block schedule?

PDXmom · 08-27-2010, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FluidFreedom

My children started school at Fuquay Middle this year and I was very disappointed in the fact that 2 of the core classes have been cut to only half a year due to the fact that they do not have enough teachers on staff.

Math and LA will remain full year classes, but Science and Social Studies have been cut to only a semester for each. What will this mean for the students when they go to HS? Will they be behind in those subjects? How will that affect them in testing?

Have other schools in Wake had this issue?

Are they on a block schedule or a schedule that allows them to get a full academic year of science in 90 days? While I am not a fan of the block schedule, I know many high schools in Durham use it.

I must admit it does not seem ideal to try to get middle school students to learn a full year of a subject in fewer days (even if the classroom hours equal an academic year).

I would question the teachers (and principal) if you need to and find out exactly what will be covered for Science & SS. And then check with the NC Department of Instruction Website to make sure your school is covering everything the NC DPI mandates. IF they are not, make a formal compliant to your school board and the NC Board of Education and NC DPI.

PDXmom · 08-27-2010, 08:41 AM

One more thing, check with other Wake County Middle Schools and compare what these schools will cover and total classroom hours in each subject. IF your school comes up short, then this is a lack of access issue. They (WCPSS) must provide equal educational experiences.

I'm suspecting that your school is using a block schedule though. Which means your child will get 180 days of Science in 90 days and then 180 days of SS in 90s. Which is legal by state measures, but imho not ideal at all.