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237 <br />READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES <br />DECEMBER 19, 1983 <br />He went on to state some of the accomplishments of the SAC and the student body, <br />i. e., they collected over 34 cases of food for the "Home for Little Wanderers," <br />are working for the "Globe Santa" and Rotary Club Christmas drives, and have <br />sponsored blood banks for the Red Cross. <br />Mr. D'Orlando said that SAC members, with some members of the faculty, have <br />been discussing graduation requirements, in light of the recent recommendations by <br />the State Commissioner of Education. <br />SAC President Robert Griffin thanked the School Committee and Administration for <br />inviting them. SAC members then gave their opinions on graduation requirements, <br />interspersed with questions and comments from members of the School Committee and <br />Administration. Generally SAC members agreed that if students were required to <br />take a course they should also be required to pass it. Some felt additional <br />courses should be required, such as foreign language, computer literacy, industrial <br />and fine arts, and science. Others felt more required courses might discourage <br />non college -bound students, prevent them from taking courses to explore their <br />potential, and possibly increase the drip -out rate. Some felt there should not <br />be too many required courses but that students should be encouraged to take more <br />academic and exploratory courses. The importance of non college -bound students <br />acquiring employment skills, particularly through business education courses, was <br />also brought out. <br />When asked if there was a consensus, SAC President Griffin said they were still <br />thinking about it. <br />Chairman Coco thanked SAC members for the interesting exchange of ideas and asked <br />them to return in April. <br />Secondary School Curriculum Recommendations - State Department of Education <br />Dr. Wells read excerpts from a letter from Mr. D'Orlando to State Commissioner of <br />Education John H. Lawson, stating his views on the Commissioner's recommendations <br />for increased secondary curriculum requirements, i. e., four years of English, two - <br />thress years of mathematics, two years of social studies, two years of foreign <br />language, two years of fine arts, two years of computer science, two years of <br />physical education and two years of applied art. <br />In general Mr. D'Orlando agreed with the recommendations. However, he felt <br />requiring non - college bound students to take two years of a foreign language <br />would be impractical and could prevent them from taking as many business courses <br />to prepare them for work and life. He did object to the.recommendations taking <br />the form of a mandate. <br />Dr. Munnelly read a letter which he had written to the Commissioner, in which he <br />shared Mr. D'Orlando's concerns. He said he particularly favored the recommendation <br />for computer science courses and agreed that more emphasis should be given to <br />"Higher order skills in reading, problem solving skills in mathematics, thinking, <br />study and writing skills in all areas." <br />The Committee agreed with the context of the letters and, after some discussion, <br />it was decided that Mr. MacDonald would write a letter on behalf of the School <br />Committee. <br />Staff Professional Development - Computer Education Instruction <br />