Letter to the Editor: Why Not Have K-3 and 4-8 Elementary Schools in Centralia?

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I have a suggestion that would be supported by research and solve many of the questions raised by moving to a Kindergarten through sixth-grade configuration.

There are six schools for kindergarten through eighth grade. Why not have three primaries that are K-3 and three intermediate schools that are 4-8? Here’s the rationale:

(1) Concerns about third-graders having their friendships in disarray would be relieved with three primaries and three 4-8 buildings. All third-graders in a primary could stay together in one of the 4-8 buildings. 

The district fears loss of academic gains with a move from three primaries to two 4-6 buildings caused by social chaos in a new mix of students, but there would not be the academic loss if the third-graders in each primary stayed together when moving to fourth grade with three 4-8 buildings. 

(2) Research on transitioning to middle school from sixth grade shows academic loss during the transition (though that research is thin). Having buildings that are 4-8 would end that transition and the academic loss would not occur.

 (3) Research shows sixth grade discipline referrals increase when mixed with seventh- and eighth-graders. In eight years as middle school principal, I saw about 10 percent of the students get 90 percent of the referrals, often egging each other on. The other students were good, trying to understand how people should get along. 

Three 4-8 buildings would divide up the current seventh- and eighth-graders (490 students) between three buildings, with bad eggs equally divided. That means three classes at seventh and three at eighth in each 4-8 building. The school atmosphere would be dominated by fourth- through sixth-grade students and the 90 percent good students in seventh and eighth grades, more easily isolating bad eggs. 

There would be an average grade size at 4-8 buildings of no more than 90 kids at each level in each building, with three classes at each grade level. The 4-8 buildings would be about 450 students, and the K-3 buildings would be about 360 students. 

(4) The 4-8 buildings could be the current middle school and the two new grade schools, which get gyms appropriate for the 4-8 level. The three 4-8 buildings could play intramural ball and compete against the other two schools. Sports skills could begin in fourth grade in the students’ own school.



 The K-3 buildings (Edison, Washington and Oakview) could remain focused on early children learning’s unique challenges. When going to fourth grade, all the students in each primary would go together to the next level and maintain their friendships. 

(5) Teachers currently at each level would remain at their current grade levels on their current teams with a K-3 and 4-8 configuration, though most would move to new buildings. 

This plan would prevent chaos if K-6 buildings are implemented and teachers have to switch grade levels. The contract gives teachers seniority rights in choosing assignments but it would not come into play if teachers stay in their current assignments.

Just a random thought while soaking in my hot tub! 

 

Neal Kirby

Centralia