NMB Faculty Comments

Odd/Even Calendar

Given the paranoia rampant during the SSRI (8 period/4x4) survey I decided that there are teachers who are reluctant to voice their views directly to administration.

Given I have this "form" technology which can easily collect and collate anonymous opinions it seemed a no-brainer when I wanted to voice my opinions on the odd./even schedule we have used this year to see if others wanted to add their two cents.

My comments (so you have an idea of where I’m coming from.)

• Having the odd/even calendar locked in before school started in August was an excellent idea. It allowed long term planning, scheduling of speakers, field trips etc.
• Having the progress report dates/report card dates/etc locked it was an excellent idea. Again it allows planning.
• The schedule needs to be tweaked for next year due to problems discovered this year.
• Testing days (like FCAT writes) should be neither odd/even but “leap-days.” If we don’t know exactly what date it will fall on, we do know the week, and a “leap-day” could be scheduled for the 1^st week in February and the schedule for that week adjusted depending on what day of the week the test is scheduled.
• The first day of the 3^rd marking period (start of second semester) needs to be an odd day, regardless of whether the last day of 1^st semester was odd or even. New classes need to start the semester, and “dead” time with a class that has already ended is just  a waste.
• Similarly mid-term exams need to be closer to the end of the term. 2 days for make-up exams are sufficient.
• FCAT Writes only tests ¼ of the student body. It is a waste to “kill” a day for the entire school. Some testing scenario needs to be designed so that those not testing don’t spend the vast majority of the day with their heads on the desks (only slightly sarcastic).

You don’t have to agree with me to post comments. I’ll pass everything on.

If you want me to add anything to this feel free to submit a comment in the box below. If you want "credit" put your name in the box. If not, don't.

(The box expands if you need more room).

If you want to comment on something other than the schedule, send me an email mgottfried@nmb.dadeschools.net  and I can easily set up a page for anonymous comments about other topics.