1 Space and Program Planning Task Force Report Needham Public Schools Space and Program Planning Task Force Report Needham Public Schools October 2005

2 Space and Program Planning Task Force Members Robert Abbey Joseph Barnes Holly ClarkeMarianne Cooley Dawn DowNancy Foot Jennifer Grant David Harris George JohnsonJulia Lipman Louise Miller Stephen Theall Anne Whittredge

3 Evaluate the educational consequences of a Grade 5-8 middle school Determine whether such a model is in the children’s best interest. Charge

4 PROCESS 1.Visit and analyze effectiveness of existing operating grade 5-8 middle schools in the area to determine their educational efficacy for students. 2.Review available research literature regarding educational efficacy of a 5-8 middle school model.

5 RESEARCH FINDINGS There is very little research specifically about 5-8 middle schools. The National Middle School Association does state: “The importance of the type of program and qualities of learning environment, not grade organization is the key to successful experiences for fifth graders.”

6 RESEARCH FINDINGS It is essential that the program and learning environment of a 5-8 school pay careful attention to the learning and development needs of young adolescent children. A school for children at this age must create an environment which feels safe and familial as well as provide the possibility of small learning communities.

7 RESEARCH FINDINGS Transitions for children are disruptive to their learning and to their development.

8 SITE VISIT FINDINGS Grade configuration decisions driven by enrollment/space needs Administrators/teachers are pleased with the model Parent anxiety is significant particularly in first years of operation

9 SITE VISIT FINDINGS Parent affiliation is greater in a four- year school than in a three-year school Fifth graders are ready for and benefit from middle schools after school activity programs

10 CONCLUSIONS Viable model if properly planned and resourced Significant time and planning needs to be dedicated to the educational program as well as ways in which students and adults will be organized for learning within the building

11 CONCLUSIONS Essential to clearly communicate middle school philosophy and priorities to parents of fourth graders Issues and decisions related to grade configuration, isolation and integration must be thoroughly considered and resourced

12 CONCLUSIONS Transition planning is essential A variety of logistical, construction design, and Pollard retrofit issues will need to be examined

13 NEXT STEPS By Winter 2006, prepare recommendations for the resolution of elementary and middle school space problems in the near and middle-term (September 2006 – September 2009 or 2010).

14 NEXT STEPS Beginning in May 2006, a group should reconsider the middle and long-term needs of the schools in light of the Townwide Facilities Master Plan.

15 NEXT STEPS Should the School Committee decide that a K-4, 5-8 grade configuration in Needham be further investigated, research and evaluate the ways in which students and adults should be organized for learning within a 5-8 middle school building.