lil
New Member
Posts: 19
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Post by lil on Apr 29, 2013 9:24:51 GMT -5
The concern about dual-tracking Connaught has less to due with squeezing out English and more to do with diluting the integrity of the EFI while creating a school environment with 2 "classes" of children. In a dual track environment, its very easy for teachers to stream children out of EFI and into English (happens more than it should, especially with boys). The perception then becomes that the English kids couldn't handle the EFI program which has all sorts of both social and pedagogical implications. I don't think this should stop us from seriously considering a dual-track option but we should definitely go into the discussion with our eyes wide open.
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megk
Junior Member
Posts: 92
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Post by megk on Apr 30, 2013 12:16:25 GMT -5
Lil - We have heard a few times now that dual track with a 50-50 split works. The streaming out of boys in particular has nothing to do with dual or single track and everything to do with the French program itself.
I find it very discouraging that our reps are not promoting Connaught EFI dual-track scenario. We've gathered the data, so it should be a comprehensive solution.
Here are the current scenarios as gathered by one parent who sat in on the April 29 meeting:
Scenario A is now Fisher JK to 8 EFI and special programs, Connaught Eng only, Elmdale and Devonshire JK-6 EFI only.
Scenario A could have one variation, moving Summit kids to Connaught too, says Elmdale rep.
Scenario B is Cambridge dual track, absorbing part of Devo (East of Irving) and Elgin, West Civic would go to Fisher JK-8 EFI.
Scenario C is Cambridge dual track, no change to Fisher, Hilson absorbs more becoming EFI, MFI to Connaught JK-6.
Scenario D is identical to scenario B with EFI at Fisher, dual track at Connaught instead of Cambridge. Tiny EFI at Fisher.
Scenario E was too confusing to follow, but involved movements of students in all directions.
Scenario F is Connaught and Elmdale full EFI. Connaught Eng sent to nearest English school programs. Very unpopular with the committee.
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Post by vickysmallman on Apr 30, 2013 12:50:32 GMT -5
We need to get our ducks in order to put the Connaught solution on the table, and give our reps the arguments they need. I agree it has garnered the most interest among Devonshire parents I have spoken with, but we need parents to speak up and let us know, both here and at school council meetings. Tonight we should get a good sense of how people are feeling, and we'll make a plan for broader parent engagement.
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Post by kbaetz on Apr 30, 2013 18:57:12 GMT -5
Well I am a parent I am going to speak up. I agree with Meg and attrition is happening in EFI regardless of whether dual or single track. Indeed, fill your boots and check out the trend across the OCDSB. www.ocdsb.ca/ab-ocdsb/f-n-f-qs/Schools%20and%20Programs/Enrol%20Stats.pdfConnaught is a viable option and should be championed: a) Connaught is in our community. For many families in both the Western Civic and Hintonburg areas, if FP becomes the solution, it would mean crossing two busy roads - Parkdale and Holland. In contrast for many impacted by boundary changes, to get to Connaught would only involve crossing Gladstone. (Sorry those of you living between Parkdale and Holland - your are caught in between). For many in the Civic, Connaught is the closest school. Further the logic of having two EFI elementary schools (Elmdale and FP) in paper airplane shooting distance is a bit baffling... b) Connaught is already equipped to meet the needs of JK-6 kids. As a tax payer I am bit horrified that the OCDSB is going to renovate buildings when empty schools surrond us. I personally think the money could be better spent on many other aspects of public education - one of which is providing the educational resources (whether that be better training, more special education teachers/hours, modification/implementation of programs etc) that allow all children to successful make it through whatever program they are in whether English, EFI, MFI etc. c) There are many great dual and multi track schools in Ottawa. Connaught should be on the table. I sincerely hope that the Devonshire ARC representatives are open to all solutions and not biasing the discussion. The feasability of a Connaught Dual Track needs to be explored. |
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Post by hursla on Apr 30, 2013 19:51:46 GMT -5
Looking at the last link that Kristin has attached on enrolment throughout Ottawa schools, it is striking to see just how many dual track schools exist in the city - in fact this appears to be more the norm than the exception, so there must be a lot of data close at hand on how this system has been working in practice. It hasn't seemed to have worked as well at Elmdale given the mismatch in population sizes but it is interesting to hear that Elgin seems quite positive on their dual track system.
Would be interesting to get a broader perspective.
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Post by karinaroman on May 9, 2013 8:36:25 GMT -5
ditto what Kristin said, as she said it so well I need not "reitierate."
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