Re: ELEM:FLEX VS SCHEDULED - discussion

[Karen Perry <perryk@HAMLET.UNCG.EDU>]

Discussion:
        As a parent and media specialist, I know that my children are
served in different ways with "flexible" scheduling.  Sometimes it
doesn't work out to force the flexible on someone whose idea of working
with teachers is to ask the gifted and talented/accelerated teacher when
she wants to do her usual unit on Island of the Blue Dolphins. What
happens to the children who are not in the accelerated class?  Do they
ever get to take advantage of media services?  Only if their teacher is
assertive enough to ask for it.
        The fixed schedule was an attempt in years past to offer service
to EVERY child in the school on a timely schedule.  When you replace this
idea with flexible schedules, one must ask "Are all the children being
served? and still in a timely manner?"
        Every school is different because its population is different.
Partial adjustments to incorporate the flexible notion are probably still
the best compromise for the timid librarian and the unsure teacher.
Structure is important to children and to the faint of heart as well.
        Thanks to Cheryl for highlighting this side of the issue.
Karen Perry
Griffin Middle School
High Point, NC  27260
perryk@hamlet.uncg.edu