+ Good to give our
“gifted” children more challenging work.
+ Smaller class size
in gifted program.
+ Gives qualified
students an opportunity to so some advanced/extension activities.
+ Flexible grouping,
in-class assistance from Connections teacher, facilitates writer’s workshop,
other activities.
+ Provides extra help
during testing periods for scoring, grading fluency tests, etc.
+ Learning center
teacher instructs 2 children twice a week.
s Basically, we are using ITBS to identify students – I am
not sure how reliable that test is?
s Some concerns that students may be missing some ISAT –
specific instruction.
s Some concerns/complaints from parents and kids that their
grades from Connections are too low – (Getting B’s or C’s in Connections but
would be getting A’s in regular classroom.)
s Creates some limits in scheduling since we are “sharing” a
teacher with another school.
s Connections meetings during our reading time interrupts our
routine – Leaves those kids w/o active instruction – must be monitored by other
teachers, even though they have assignments to do.
s It would be helpful to know what our “connection” children
are learning – It would be good if others were able to go throughout the year.
s I really don’t feel the lower grades have a connection
program.
s I have no knowledge of the connections program because my
children do not receive connections services.
s Kindergarten does not get connections.
s In my position I don’t know enough to comment.
s I do not work w/ Connections Program so I can not evaluate
it.
Pluses – C.B. Smith Parents
+ I like the fact
that my child does not get bored with her class. She is being challenged
instead of held back.
+ I like the idea
that advanced students can take advanced classes. She becomes more motivated
with challenging classes.
+ Challenges the
student to continue to increase knowledge.
+ Student does not
become bored – keeps them interested.
+ Gives challenging
material to children who might otherwise be bored in class.
+ Puts children in a
learning situation with their peers instead of with children of all learning
levels.
+ Challenging.
+ Incentive reward at
end of week.
+ I think she likes
the variety of going to another room.
+ Likes the teacher.
+ I’ve thought it was
nice the special things that Mrs. Bitner has laminated for Lindzey for her to
keep nice.
+ Good variety of
ideas sports, mobiles, etc.
+ Challenges the
child.
+ Gives the child
more confidence.
+ Keeps them
interested in reading.
+ It has exposed my
child to many books and kept her interest.
+ She enjoys it
(reading).
+ She really likes
her teacher.
+ Taylor has read
some really great books that she normally would not have chosen.
+ This class has
given her a much greater interest in reading.
+ This class has
given her a big boost of confidence in her reading ability.
+ Better literature.
+ Deeper look (i.e.
character analysis mobile was thoughtful yet fun).
+ Separated from
class.
+ Builds responsibility.
Deltas – C.B. Smith Parents
s I don’t have anything that I do not like about the program.
s I do not have any complaints.
s Communication between teacher & parent as to what the
class is doing and what they are going to do be doing next… (monthly
newsletter?…)
s Report card grades – are they a reflection/idea of how they
are meeting the “standards” or “requirements” for third grade or a different
“connections” or “higher” level?
s If there is a higher level how is that standard determined?
s Should inform parents that their children are in the
Connections classes so they can better work with children at home.
s Should be more thought provoking material not more of it to
discourage children from wanting to participate.
s No complaints.
s I have no concerns but one suggestion would be to add
foreign language – it is easier to learn the younger the kids are.
s I don’t see much feedback about what my child is reading or
working on from teacher.
s Filling out plus/deltas forms!
s I wonder if we kill a good book with too many questions?
s Separated from class.
+ It’s challenging.
+ It is not too easy.
+ I like going to
Connections.
+ It’s very
challenging.
+ It makes me think.
+ Plenty of challenge
in math and reading,
+ Plenty of work to
do.
+ You give us plenty
of time to get it done in class.
+ We read good books.
+ We do fun
activities.
+ I like the books we
read and Mrs. Bitner.
+ Fun.
+ Right reading
group.
+ Nice teacher.
+ Learn a lot.
+ Read.
+ Fun activities.
+ The books are good.
+ I love my reading
group.
+ Challenging myself.
+ Having an A+.
+ The activities we
do.
+ It makes me feel
smart.
+ Friday when you get
something out of the tub.
+ Most of the work we
do.
+ My grades.
+ Mrs. Bitner when
she is not angry.
+ All-star work.
s The homework.
s Sometimes we don’t get to have free P.E.’s.
s I have more homework.
s Me talking with Ryan.
s Me doing my homework.
s We have a lot of homework.
s I don’t like the quizzes.
s I don’t like that some kids yell at me.
s Sometimes a lot of work. (That is all right.)
s The amount of homework we get.
s Homework one night a week.
s Read Santa Paws.
s Read Charlotte’s Web
#2.