Positive relationships lead to success

To the editor:

Karla Ries said there isn't a single cause for the drops in proficiency in the July 14 article 'C.R. schools see drop in math, science test skills.”

This past school year the middle school model was replaced by a junior high model due to financial issues. The middle school model (consisting of four educators sharing 105-115 students) allowed for greater personal connection between teachers and students making it possible to meet the individual needs of every learner. The transition from elementary to junior high is extremely challenging, and today's students arrive with far more burdens (emotionally, behaviorally, and academically) than ever before. And yet, every building had staff reductions ranging between two to eight teachers.

The addition of a second language arts class removed the team prep period so teachers no longer met daily to discuss student learning and behavior issues. This year teachers taught six classes to between 85-160 (average of 137) students. Most educators taught more than one curricular area or grade level. In other words, with one 45 minute prep period teachers attempted to: organize daily lesson plans, grade papers, prepare homework that is meaningful, call parents, talk one-on-one with students, run off papers, research sites that complement instruction, review formative assessments and adjust instruction to enhance learning and most importantly, be available when a student needs them.

Research shows that positive, trusting relationships lead to greater student academic performance. Finding ways to bring back middle schools could be the solution to future proficiency drops.

Kelle Kolkmeier

Cedar Rapids