Departmentalization

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2002 : February : 14

Departmentalization
By Debbie

Hi all,
I'll share my perspectives from my observations and experiences as teacher, staff development mentor and parent. The idea that you're preparing them for middle school is exactly the opposite reason for our middle
schools choosing to go with block programs-they were originally switching all classes and found it was difficult to teach 'children' rather than curriculum. They've even been given an additional prep period in order to confer and coordinate together with the other members of their 'core'. (A unit of 3-4 teachers working together to teach the subject areas to a similar group of students

in an integrative way as much as possible.)
Some of the challenges you may encounter in switching include: finding yourself teaching subjects and not children. There is no extra time in the day to finish up that neat project you started, or really develop a teachable moment, because you have to move on. Children may fall through the cracks, not the obviously needy ones, the quiet or laid back or 'average' ones. With regard to the personality problems, sometimes it takes a LONG time to develop and maintain a learning community when you're dealing with some needy children, but it's well worth the effort for the child in the long run. Most children thrive on consistent routines and well established procedures. It's hard to have that when you're moving all the time. Also think of the instructional time that disappears during transitions. Finally, as a mom...my sons have grown up too quickly as it is; at 5th grade they are still children. I hope someone has some concrete data for you in order to make a more informed decision. Best of luck whatever you decide. And thanks for considering these challenges... ;-D