chf
enthusiast
Posts: 492
Loc: NW Allen
Reg: 12-22-07
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04-07-12 02:36 PM - Post#147835
In response to CHurt
But orchestra and band wasn't my original point -
Why are 6th graders still in elementary school? It is almost imposable to find any other district that operates that way. What is the logic that makes AISD think this is better?
The 6th grade curriculum is uniform across the state, and it is considered a "middle school" curriculum. This was explained to us when our son was entering 6th grade. Also (as has been said), 6th graders in the elemntary buildings are largely segregated from the lower grades, and in the districts where 6th grade is in the middle schools, they are segregated from the 7th and 8th graders for the most part. So, why are you so concerned about the building they go to?
A district's decision one way or another, is largely driven by economics, history, and facility usage at the time a strategic decision is made. But once that type of decision is made, and facilities are constructed towards that strategy, it is difficult to change the strategy without causing underutilization at some facilities, and over utilization at others. In this particular case, there is no room in the 3 existing middle schools to add an additional grade level, so either expansion or addition of a 4th middle school would be required. At the same time, removing a grade from the elementary schools would (for most of them) cause the buildings to be underutilized. Talk to Richardson ISD about the adverse effects underutilized facilities have on a district operating budget.
As to the "go away" comment, I do have one pet peeve. This may or may not apply to you, as you have not said when you moved into AISD. There are five very good school districts in this area, each taking different approaches to school sizes, divisions, etc. Plano has 6th grade in middle school, and separates 9th/10th in smaller high schools from 11th/12th in giant senior high schools. Frisco has several high schools with grades 9-12, and keeps them smaller (4A) sized. McKinney and Lovejoy also have their unique aspects. I have very little patience with people who don't research and consider these differences when they are deciding where to live, and then rail and complain about how the district does something after they move in. Most frequently, I hear it from people who don't like that Allen has one huge high school, but I've heard it about other things as well.
Like I said, this may not apply to you at all.
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