1982-11-22 School Committee Minutes

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READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES November 22, 1982 Questions were also answered by Dr. Munnelly and Dr. Delaney. It was stated that each of the twenty middle schools visited by MSAC members varied somewhat. Also that the Foreign Language Department had proposed that the number of languages taught at 6 -8 grades level be increased. However, the MSAC did not recommend a specific set of courses for foreign languages since it did not want to get into that level of detail in its curriculum recommendations. Mr. Nissen said that the report did not recommend changes in seventh and eighth grades because they presently are similar to middle schools visited and it is believed that this is a good point from which to start. He added that these grades are operating very nicely and the MSAC could see no point in trying to revamp them. Dr. Delaney said there was no doubt in his mind that there will be some changes in those grades, but that it would be premature to be specific. It was noted that the junior highs are presently child- centered schools. Dr. Wells praised the MSAC for a thorough report and said that within 30 -45 days he would be prepared to make his recommendations. In closing, Chairman Garroway announced that copies of the MSAC report are available at the Central Office and the Public Library and invited anyone who had questions to address them to the MSAC, the Administration or the Citizens Advisory Council. Again he thanked MSAC members for the long hours they had put in and for the quality of their report. Evaluation of Music Program Director of Music Mr. James Roth, assisted by staff members Mrs. Mary Correia and Mr. Robert Mingolelli, gave an evaluation of the school -wide music program. Mr. Roth said the program for grades 1 -12 was integrated, with the same method for teaching the reading of music used throughout the System. The Philosophy of the Department is that participation in musical activities is more important than merely learning about them. Mrs. Correia told the Committee that each elementary class receives instruction by a music teacher for 30 minutes a week and there is a 60- minute followup each week by the classroom teacher. She played tapes demonstrating the progress of students as they learned to read and sing music. Mr. Roth added that the emphasis was on vocal music until the flutophone is introduced in fourth grade. In fifth and sixth grades weekly instrumental lessons are given to those who elect to participate. He made note of the fact that Mr. Herbert Baron, Killam School Principal, participated in the evaluation of the elementary school music program. Mr. Mingolelli spoke on the junior high level of the music program. He explained that the philosophy at this level is to continue to build on skills learned in the elementary grades and to foster a positive attitude toward music. He added that those who wish to perform have the opportunity through All- District Concerts, Operettas, School assemblies, etc. Both Schools have an instrumental program and band participation has increased, especially at Parker, despite declining enrollments. Mr. Mingolleli played tapes of the Junior Highs' choral work.