Helen's+coments


 * //Comments from Helen Scalia//**

Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend Monday's meeting due to a work conflict that takes me out of Portland for the day. These are attempts to organize and share my thoughts...

Given the current budget realities, I assume the FL/HS program will not be able to continue as it currently operates (i.e. with current staffing levels). At the same time, I appreciate that Portland students have benefited from a high quality, model program that's been hard-fought for decades. My goal, then, would be to preserve as much of the best of the program as possible while acknowledging the fiscal facts.

Since I don't know the ins and outs of the program well enough, I cannot offer specific suggestions. However, after listening for the past few meetings, the following principles stood out as vital to whatever alternative proposal the Advisory Board develops and to educating the ultimate decision-makers.

1) **Thoughtful transition** - A hastily conceived and implemented plan would be jarring and imprudent. Changes to the program should be implemented carefully over a two year (?) period.

2) **The curriculum delivery method is as important as the content**. The deliverers must be qualified, consistent, and comfortable with presenting sensitive material to students. Expecting all 4th and 5th grade classoom teachers to present the information may not be realistic.

3) **Maintain the institutional memory and knowledge** of the program by engaging existing staff to the extent possible.

4) **Identify clear champions** for the FL/HS program within the school department, school committee, and thru the Advisory Board

5) **Incorporate an transition evaluation plan** that assesses the transition process and its outcomes. Make the evaluation plan as simple and straightforward as possible so that it will actually get accomplished.

Not sure where this fits: Link the transition to the adoption of a K-5 Health curriculum