Secret Survey
Another “secret” anything (survey) by WCSD in relation to IB in Incline is problematic.
The introductory paragraph of the survey implies programs have been implemented, including IB. IB is not supposed to be implemented yet. Have any other programs been implemented due to the Task Force? The task force suggested we INVESTIGATE not implement IB. The investigation still hasn’t happened.
Since our community has shown it will not support IB, why is it still on the table? Is this more about what is best for our students and our community or the $65,000 ibiv owes WCSD?
It is important to start fresh and take IB off the survey for the time being until the current issues have been identified. Initially IB was a “solution” to declining enrollment, then a “solution” to increase graduation rates, but there is no evidence to show it will do either; or for that matter, address any other issue Incline schools are facing. The survey should focus on what the residents think the issues are, not what program they want. If you include programs why not include programs that are more cost effective and that have evidence to show they can improve student achievement i.e.:
- Core Knowledge (cost effective and evidence to show it will improve student performance)
- SpringBoard (cost effective and evidence to show it will improve student performance)
- APID - A.P. International Diploma (free)
- PLC’s (free and evidence to show they will improve student performance)
- IB as an on-line option only
If IB is added K-12 the District has an obligation to tell people BOTH SIDES, i.e.:
- We would be the first schools in the country were IB would be FORCE on all students K-8.
- By adding IB at the high school 10 required IB classes would need to be added to our 11th and 12th grade schedule, this will likely minimize or destroy current successful programs.
- Pedro said there are only 16 K-12 districts in the country, four have had major problems with IB including: law suits, dropped IB programmes, families leaving the IB schools, and perpetual IB controversy.
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- Question 3 is misleading because the task force suggested we investigate not implement IB.
- Question 5 - Why aren’t other programs considered?
- This survey implies it is IB or nothing.
- “The lack of resources has caused a reassessment of current efforts to improve the Incline schools?” It is really a lack of support for IB. Many who already donated will not donate anything more to IB.
- We have three kids in Incline schools but get one voice. Some with three kids get three times the input. How is this fair?
- This survey could be construed as another attempt to “force feed” IB to us
- As long as IB is forced on all students in Incline it will be controversial for WCSD
- Since our community has shown it WILL NOT SUPPORT IB, and IB will not improve student performance, forcing it on all students should be taken off the table.
John Eppolito, Teresa Eppolito, Margaret Martini, and Willy Krusell
Here is the proposed Survey.
DRAFT 4 (2-16-11) (Will be in English and Spanish)
Incline Great Schools Committee Parent Survey
As the result of declining student enrollment in the Incline schools, the poor economy, and anticipated budget cuts, the Incline Village Reflective Task Force was formed in early 2009. The task force met for several months and made recommendations to improve the Incline Schools, many which were implemented, including an International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
The lack of resources has caused a reassessment of current efforts to improve the Incline schools. Superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison formed the Incline Great Schools Committee (IGSC) to conduct this reassessment, which includes updated recommendations to improve the Incline schools in lieu of the resources now available. The Committee, co-chaired by community member Harry Haaser and Area Superintendent Nancy Sanger, consists of parents, school staff and community members. It is responsible for making recommendations to the Superintendent by March 31st.
This survey is designed to obtain input from parents about what they believe is important to make the Incline schools great. Information from this survey will be used by the (IGSC) and will also be shared with the public. Thank you for your help!
1. I am a parent of a child or children at (Check one. Parents with students at more than one school will be sent one survey for each school they have children attending).
- Incline Elementary School
- Incline Middle School
- Incline High School
2. Overall I am satisfied with the education my child receives in the Incline schools
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
3. I am aware of the recommendations of the Incline Schools Reflective Task Force in 2009
Yes No
4. There are many factors that go into making schools great. Below is a list of approaches and areas of emphasis that are such factors. For each factor, please rate how important you think it is to your child’s education. Use this scale:
Not Important
Relatively Unimportant
Moderately Important
Highly Important
a. Challenging academics for all students at all levels
Not important Relatively Unimportant Moderately Important Highly Important
b. Emphasis on science at the elementary and middle school levels
Not important Relatively Unimportant Moderately Important Highly Important
c. Emphasis on foreign language instruction at the elementary and middle school levels
Not important Relatively Unimportant Moderately Important Highly Important
d. Supplemental opportunities for students who struggle in school such as credit recovery and remediation programs
Not important Relatively Unimportant Moderately Important Highly Important
e. Instruction that promotes critical thinking, the use of technology, and innovation
Not important Relatively Unimportant Moderately Important Highly Important
f. The IB program
Not important Relatively Unimportant Moderately Important Highly Important
g. A vertically aligned K-12 curriculum among the three Incline schools, which links teaching, subjects and skill development for children from grade to grade, kindergarten through 12th grade
Not important Relatively Unimportant Moderately Important Highly Important
h. More access to career and technical (vocational) opportunities at the high school
Not important Relatively Unimportant Moderately Important Highly Important
i. Opportunities for academic advancement /acceleration
Not important Relatively Unimportant Moderately Important Highly Important
j. Programs in the arts (music, drama etc.)
Not important Relatively Unimportant Moderately Important Highly Important
k. Teacher training and professional development programs
Not important Relatively Unimportant Moderately Important Highly Important
l. Physical education programs at the elementary level
Not important Relatively Unimportant Moderately Important Highly Important
m. Afterschool programs and activities
Not important Relatively Unimportant Moderately Important Highly Important
n. The Advanced Placement (AP) program at the high school
Not important Relatively Unimportant Moderately Important Highly Important
o. Programs in partnership with institutions of higher education such as Sierra Nevada College
Not important Relatively Unimportant Moderately Important Highly Important
5. In the question below, we would like you to identify what you consider most important among the factors listed in question 4. Please pick the top 5 items that are most critical to your child’s education. Place a “1” next to the most critical item; a “2” next to the next most critical item, etc. Exactly 5 items should be ranked. You will not be able to assign the same rank to more than one item.
___ Challenging academics for all students at all levels
___ Emphasis on science at the elementary and middle school levels
___ Emphasis on foreign language instruction at the elementary and middle school levels
___ Supplemental opportunities for students who struggle in school such as credit recovery and remediation programs
___ Instruction that promotes critical thinking, the use of technology, and innovation
___ The IB program
___ A vertically aligned K-12 curriculum among the three Incline schools, which links teaching, subjects and skill development for children from grade to grade, kindergarten through 12th grade
___ More access to career and technical (vocational) opportunities at the high school
___ Opportunities for advancement /acceleration
___ Programs in the arts (music, drama etc.)
___ Teacher training and professional development programs
___ Physical education programs at the elementary level
___ Afterschool programs and activities
___ The Advanced Placement (AP) program at the high school
___ Programs in partnership with institutions of higher education such as Sierra Nevada College
6. Are there other comments, suggestions or concerns that you would like to share about making the Incline schools among the best in the nation? (Open Response)
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