The News and Observer from Raleigh, North Carolina • 21

1 OBSERVER MARCH 2 2005 tact us at your school? Con ll Schools WHAT DID YOU SAY? Beast (verb) To dominate or perform superbly 41)r4111r) scboolsnewsobservercom loften in sports "You beasted that race!" 7B i I 0 -r' Broughton V'''141 1r low 1 rit 1 4 I HOW TO I END SUSPENSIONS i 1 17 Behavior issues principal otr" 1 00 Yr retiring need a new fix tstotzngrigynipais frequently that stu- iN-: -2E No one wins with children left behind have a chance to them Broughton Editor's note: This is the sixth in a monthlp series of has stood out for i I "how to" columns bp Liza Weidle of Cary She is former A president of the Wake County PTA Council and the -4 -r-- i 'd only two people t' 4 author of the coming book "Seasons of Parenting" Jewell and Diane 1 k''' have been principal of BY LIZA WEIDLE 4 -k The ap Broughton 4 1 t) Schools are beginning to re- proach is be- Now there think their approach to suspen- ing used in will be a third sions and expulsions after a Durham Payne an 1 rapid increase in lost instruc- Charlotte nounced last wk tional days that are a no-win sit- A Mecklenburg week that nation for all I e-- and Pender she'll retire at A child out of school is at risk '''t the end of the Sophomore honors biology student Kent Campbell gets some help from teacher Judith of being left behind More than 4 schools It is school year Bundy at Millbrook High School Bundy said she prefers the block schedules longer classes 1 million instmctional days were Liza Weidle credited with "I've been STAFF PHOTO BY HARRY LYNCH lost to short- and long-term sus- is a former cutting sus- principal for a pensions during the 2002-03 PTA leader pension rates king time" school year according to a re- by as much as said Payne port from the NC Department of a half Look for the Wake 62 "There are Public Instruction County Public School System to other things ke finds many During that school year short- join the ranks of districts using do I love this school a term suspensions were up 8 per- behavior support decision" cent over the previous year Here are some ways parents been principal of ibt ill 1 Long-term suspensions lasting can help a suspended child get since November 11 days or longer were up 15 back on track: veteran educator percent Expulsions rose a whop- Build a network of support 38 years of experi- ping a 53 percent Be the person leading your previously principal Such increases can be traced to child's effort Ask school ad-of High School and West BY KEUNG Hui WAKE COUNTY'S BLOCK SCHEDULE zero tolerance policies that school ministrators for resources to Middle School STAFF WRITER systems adopted in response to continue studies at home If nee- A new report paints a positive picture of how the block schedule a successor at Judith Bundy has seen a lot of was implemented in Wake high schools but the report also shows the federal Gun-Free Schools Act essary find a tutor is likely to draw ideas in 30 years of teaching that problems of 1994 which required mancla- Break dysfunctional cycles since some should have been junked but tory expulsion for firearm pos- Children whose misbehavior has school to be Wake's she is convinced the block sched- More students taking advanced courses session Since then such policies resulted in more than one sus-flagship school The ule being used in Wake Cotmty's The number of students in advanced courses in 2002-03 compared with the number taking have encompassed objectionable pension are trapped in a bad cyRaleigh school opened in 1929 high schools is not one of them them in 2003-04: 4 behaviors that range from an- cle Look for community re- oldest in Wake Unlike some veteran teachers 2002-03 0 2003-04 noying to dangerous sources that can help with who have resisted the new sched- 4 21t5921 The price we pay by sus- problems such as drug depen- school honors ule Bundy prefers the longer 90- Honors --a-- rn' 31330 pending children for nonviolent dence and depression minute periods under the block behavior is too high and calls Teach respect One of the to six She's among the 65 percent of Advanced 4947 1 for a change in the way prob- greatest lessons children can schools that are in the Wake County high school teach- Placement 5 414 lem behavior is resolved learn is the self-respect that helps be-named the top ers who according to a new In February more than 1000 them make safe and healthy de- Advanced 317 1 school in the nation school district report think educators from across the state cisions When a child feels loved Elementary Poe Ele- switching to the block schedule career and technical tii 182 attended a conference sponsored and valued respecting others is ec Washington Elemen- last school year was a good move by the state education depart- easier Campus Mid- "It gives you more time to fo-Oth 6 ment that addressed school Be a compass Children rely 1 er 1301 Millbrook Middle and cus on a subject in a single class" advanced --------safety and character education on parents to guide them toward were named said Bundy a science teacher at courses 11129' Workshops explored strategies good choices If your child has Schools of Excellence Millbrook High School aimed at keeping students in problems in school it might take Schools of America In Wake county's block sched- Students retaking courses safe orderly and caring schools work on your part to be your organization The six ule students take four 90-minute The five courses being retaken by the most students: One of the most promising best If you need to clean up your now vying for the classes a day each semester in- practices discussed is called pos- act to be a better role model for Simpson Award stead of six 50-minute classes a 372 itive behavioral support a your child do it Your child's to the top magnet day for a year The configura- school-wide effort that defines health and academic success winner will be tion is also called a 4x4 referring 262 teaches and encourages appro- could be at risk if you don't in April to the four classes taken one se- 197 priate behavior The behavior school system has mester and four the next Sup- 119 support approach requires a co- Contact Liza at Simpson Award the porters say the schedule is Ito ordinated effort among the familyfilterncmcom needed to meet the states in years Bugg Elementary home school community and or see 2004 and Washington creased high school graduation i- i religious congregations lizaweidle received it in 2003 demands and the UNC system's Algebra I Algebra I English I English il Algebra II Magnet Schools of higher entrance requirements wtech part 1 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES are the Magnet The longer periods allow stu- part 1 Distinction awards dents to finish courses quicker Teacher perception of block schedules Why use positive behavioral support programs in North Carolina's Schools? to four Wake giving to students more oppor- Responses by 297 of 506 teachers in 11 schools to a survey about how they see block wwwncsiporgiusingindexhtml Bugg Elementary tunities to take electives and ad- scheduling The online survey was taken in spring 2004 Wake County Public School System Alternative Education Programs: Elementary Farming- vanced dasses while helping strug-Allows the wwwwcpssnetInstructionalialteducationialternativehtml teacher to provid All the teacher to cover Elementary and gling students graduate on time if Communities in Schools of Wake County works to prevent school failure more rigorous content concepts in greater depth Middle they need to retake a course through mentoring and tutoring wwwciswakeorgseryices More than 90 percent of North No less ---1 r-Yes (somewhat No less----1 (somewhat Huntington Learning Center offers supplemental instruction in reading writ- I Self-portrait wins Carolina high schools now use a to greatly) to greatly) ing mathematics study skills phonics and related areas block schedule All but one of wwwhuntingtonlearningcom neittnrict ntlitiPnt at --1--1- A-4 VA 219 Haven House serves the needs of vouna people in difficult situations OBSERVER MARCH 2 2005 your school? Contact us schoolsnewsobservercom 1013NNIMMINIIONOWNIIMINI Broughton principal retiring time when many high change principals frequently that students have a chance to them Broughton has stood out for only two people Jewell and Diane have been principal of Broughton Now there will be a third Payne an' nounced last week that she'll retire at the end of the school year "I've been principal for a king time" said Payne 62 "There are other things do I love this school decision" been principal of since November veteran educator 38 years of experience previously principal High School and West Middle School a successor at is likely to draw since some school to be Wake's school The school opened in 1929 oldest in Wake school honors to six schools that are in the benamed the top school in the nation Elementary Poe Elementary Washington Elementary Campus Middle Millbrook Middle and were named Schools of Excellence Schools of America organization The six now vying for the Simpson Award to the top magnet winner will be in April school system has Simpson Award the years Bugg Elementary 2004 and Washington received it in 2003 Magnet Schools of are the Magnet Distinction awards to four Wake Bugg Elementary Elementary Farmington Elementary and Middle Self-portrait wins Delgado a student at at In the Schools tWiSIONSW610Y030i1MIONOWNSMINIO Sophomore honors biology student Kent Campbell gets some help from teacher Judith Bundy at Millbrook High School Bundy said she prefers the block schedufe's longer classes STAFF PHOTO BY HARRY LYNCH Wake finds many favor block schedule BY KEUNG Hui STAFF WRITER Judith Bundy has seen a lot of ideas in 30 years of teaching that should have been junked but she is convinced the block schedule being used in Wake County's high schools is not one of them Unlike some veteran teachers who have resisted the new schedule Bundy prefers the longer 90- minute periods under the block She's among the 65 percent of Wake County high school teachers who according to a new school district report think switching to the block schedule last school year was a good move "It gives you more time to focus on a subject in a single class" said Bundy a science teacher at Millbrook High School In Wake county's block schedule students take four 90-minute classes a day each semester instead of six 50-minute classes a day for a year The configuration is also called a 4x4 referring to the four classes taken one semester and four the next Supporters say the schedule is needed to meet the state's increased high school graduation demands and the UNC system's higher entrance requirements The longer periods allow students to finish courses quicker giving top students more opportunities to take electives and advanced classes while helping struggling students graduate on time if they need to retake a course More than 90 percent of North Carolina high schools now use a block schedule All but one of WAKE COUNTY'S BLOCK SCHEDULE A new report paints a positive picture of how the block schedule was implemented in Wake high schools but the report also shows problems More students taking advanced courses The number of students in advanced courses in 2002-03 compared with the number taking them in 2003-04: 2002-03 0 2003-04 Honors Advanced Placement 4941 1 5414 317 182 61301 Advanced career and technical Other advanced courses 11129 Students retaking courses The five courses being retaken by the most students: 372 Algebra I witech part 1 Algebra I part 1 English Teacher perception of block schedules Responses by 297 of 506 teachers in 11 schools to a survey about how they see block scheduling The online survey was taken in spring 2004 Allows the teacher to provide more rigorous content No less -Yes (somewhat to greatly) 31 WHAT DID YOU SAY? Beast 1 (verb) To dominate or perform superbly often in sports "You beasted that race!" 215921 31330 I English II Algebra II Allows the teacher to cover concepts in greater depth No less-1 (somewhat to greatly) 27930 279 HOW TO I END SUSPENSIONS Behavior issues need a new fix No one wins with children left behind Editor's note: This is the sixth in a monthlp series of "how to" columns bp Liza Weidle of Cary She is former president of the Wake County PTA Council and the author of the coming book "Seasons of Parenting" BY LIZA WEIDLE Schools are beginning to rethink their approach to suspensions and expulsions after a rapid increase in lost instructional days that are a no-win situation for all A child out of school is at risk of being left behind More than 1 million instructional days were lost to short- and long-term suspensions during the 2002-03 school year according to a report from the NC Department of Public Instruction During that school year short-term suspensions were up 8 percent over the previous year Long-term suspensions lasting 11 days or longer were up 15 percent Expulsions rose a whopping a 53 percent Such increases can be traced to zero tolerance polides that school systems adopted in response to the federal Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994 which required mandatory expulsion for firearm possession Since then such policies have encompassed objectionable behaviors that range from annoying to dangerous The price we pay by suspending children for nonviolent behavior is too high and calls for a change in the way problem behavior is resolved In February more than 1000 educators from across the state attended a conference sponsored by the state education department that addressed school safety and character education Workshops explored strategies aimed at keeping students in safe orderly and caring schools One of the most promising practices discussed is called positive behavioral support a school-wide effort that defines teaches and encourages appropriate behavior The behavior support approach requires a coordinated effort among the home school community and religious congregations ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Why use positive behavioral support programs in North Carolina's Schools? wwwncsiporgiusingindexhtml Wake County Public School System Alternative Education Programs: wwwwcpssmetInstructionalialteducationialternativehtml Communities in Schools of Wake County works to prevent school failure through mentoring and tutoring wwwciswakcorgiservices Huntington Learning Center offers supplemental instruction in reading writing mathematics study skills phonics and related areas wwwhuntingtonlearningcomi Haven House serves the needs of young people in difficult situations 7B r- The ap proach is be- ing used in je Durham Charlotte Mecklenburg bp and Pender County 4 schools It is Liza Weldle credited with is a former cutting sus-PTA leader pension rates by as much as a half Look for the Wake County Public School System to join the ranks of districts using behavior support Here are some ways parents can help a suspended child get back on track: Build a network of support Be the person leading your child's effort Ask school administrators for resources to continue studies at home If necessary find a tutor Break dysfunctional cycles Children whose misbehavior has resulted in more than one suspension are trapped in a bad cycle Look for community resources that can help with problems such as drug dependence and depression Teach respect One of the greatest lessons children can learn is the self-respect that helps them make safe and healthy decisions When a child feels loved and valued respecting others is easier Be a compass Children rely on parents to guide them toward good choices If your child has problems in school it might take work on your part to be your best If you need to clean up your act to be a better role model for your child do it Your child's health and academic success could be at risk if you don't Contact Liza at familytilternmcom or see lizaweidlef THE NEWS WEDNESDA' What's up at schoolsn( INOMMIUMOVIROM Bro- prl rel Ata til scho( so fre dents bare1 3 get to know High Schoo its stability Since 197 Richard Payne lu YOUR SCHOOLS Keung Hut I'd like to ft was a hal Payne ha Broughton 1991 Mei with nearly ence was of Enloe Hi Millbrook Choosing Broughton much atten consider th flagship hig Raleigh sch and is the Magnet Congrratu Raleigh Kt running to magnet sch Combs mentary tary Cente die East Ligon Mid( Magnet Sc by Magnet a trade org schools are Ronald which goes school Th( announced The Wak won the Si( past two ye won it in 2( Elementar3 Below th Excellence Schools of which wen schools: BIL Douglas El ton Woods Carnage East Milliu tured the Gifts of Gc Delgado' named besi entries frot -11 Ti NEWS WEDNESDAY What's up at A so dents barely get to know High School its stability Since 1970 Richard Payne YOUR SCHOOLS Keung Hut I'd like to It was a hard Payne has Broughton 1991 The with nearly ence was Enloe Millbrook Choosing Broughton much attention consider the high and is the Magnet Congratulations Raleigh running to magnet Combs mentary tary Centennial die East Ligon Middle Magnet by Magnet a trade schools are Ronald which goes school The announced The Wake won the past two won it in Elementary Below the Excellence Schools of which went schools: Douglas ton Woods Carnage limnifpr Ti NEWS WEDNESDAY What's up at At a schools so barely get to know High School its stability Since 1970 Richard Payne YOUR SCHOOLS I Keung Hut I'd like to It was a bard Payne has Broughton 1991 The with nearly was of Enloe Mil rook Choosing Broughton much attention consider the flagship high Raleigh and is the Magnet Congratulations Raleigh running to magnet Combs Centennial East Ligon Middle Magnet by Magnet a trade schools are Ronald which goes school The announced The Wake won the past two won it in Elementary Below the Excellence Schools of which went schools: Douglas Woods Carnage Jennifer East Millbrook the Gifts of Gold Delgado's named best entries from "It' Deal Middle captured top prize at this year's arts show self-portrait was in show out of 96 the Wake school system All of the student artwork ill be ----lobby of Memorial Auditorium in downtown I Raleigh on March 8 and 9 Jennifer Each Wake Delgado's art teacher self-portrait was encourwon best aged to submit in show one piece of student art for the show which serves as the visual arts component of Pieces of Gold the annual visual and performing arts extravaganza Images of the winning artwork and a complete list of student participants along with information about the Pieces of Gold performance can be found at wwwwakeedpartnershiporg EventsPOGGiftsOfGoldhtml Staff writer Joyce Sykes and news researcher Denise Jones contributed to this report Contact Keung Hui by calling 829-4534 or sending e-mail to khulnewsobservercom wwwhavenhousencorgi SouthLight Inc offers students and parents substance abuse education and counseling programs (919) 872-7373 wwwsouthlightorgiindeLshtml Turning Point offers a variety of counseling and education services for youths and families (919) 852-2262 wwwmindspringcom-1022 Durham's high schools is adopting the 4x4 schedule in the fall and Chapel Hill-Carrboro's high schools are incorporating a modified version in 2006 Eleven Wake high schools switched to the 4x4 schedule last school year In a report assessing the impact the county found that 1897 students who failed a fall course were able to retake it in the spring Additionally there was a 46 percent increase in the number of students taking advanced-level courses Academically a higher percentage of students carried at least a grade-point average and the passing rate on state endof-course tests went up slightly "It did what was expected" said Richard Murphy Wake's senior director for high school programs "It gave students more opportunities and didn't negatively impact student achievement" Most students were also in support of the new schedule with 70 percent of 335 students surveyed in eight schools in spring 2004 saying the change was positive "You don't get as much homework" said Greyson Williams 17 a jtmior at Millbrook High "I like having four classes a day compared to six" Still a sizable number of teachers students and parents expressed mixed or negative feelings about the block schedule Some teachers had concerns about the educational impact About the same Source: Wake County Public School System 394 296 2m 508(Yo 212 --'''---t-About the same The News Observer Upon completing an Advanced Placement course students can take an exam in May to earn college credit Students used to take yearlong AP courses But now they take the course either in the spring leaving them less time to prepare for the AP test or in the fall giving them a five-month wait before the exam Even though more students took AP classes in the block schedule schools last school year fewer took AP exams Darshana Wani said she was so disgusted with the block schedule's impact on honors students that she pulled her son out of Sanderson High School He's now at a private school "He's getting the foundation he wasn't getting in Wake County high schools" Wani said Staff writer Keung Hui can be reached at 829-4534 or khuinewsobservercorn 508 212 READ THE REPORT To read the Wake school district's 2003-04 Block Scheduling Evaluation report go to wwwwcpssmetievaluation-researchireports20050417blockschedulepdt -bood 4r71 7 nt4r s'l CI ell! 1 402 '476 f' It p17'0 '41 4 ir 4RIC-4 Odie- giAl eAlt 1 240s141 4 7 1410 11' 'i-1-- 40 Or di 714 i 4o i -f -4 I Eii -4 404 (di 4 liF 0 4-)1k4A 40 1- '4'''L- 7 I- I :4:1 1 'ii- s'141-: )' ::1 i''e- i 4 A 'tt 4rtN i 1': i' i l' a '1 4 I 4 i 1 1: I il 9 1 noting that high-achieving students may not fully benefit from the change They said classes are less rigorous and in-depth The concerns may stem from a 30-hour reduction in the amount of time teachers have to cover a course during the semester "I know there was a lot of distress about the change" Murphy said "I expect our teachers have gotten more comfortable" North Raleigh parent David Greene wonders why two of Wake's top high schools aren't on the 4x4 block schedule Both Broughton and Enloe high schools were exempted because they argued that the new schedule would hurt their magnet programs "For a majority of students they won't be affected" by the block schedule Greene said "But for students in advanced classes it is frustrating for them" Greene cited the challenges of accommodating students in Advanced Placement classes The A regular feature of student ideas writing artwork and discussion TODAY: Student art I Sundresses and flowers are coming 'Butterfly in the Spring Hight Concept' by Vicki Ding gives a preview She painted the acrylic last year as a senior at Broughton High in Raleigh Nancy Carty was her instructor Ly 14 A' COURSE WORK Two members of the National Symphony Orchestra will visit Root Elementary School in Raleigh on March 14 Children will participate in a program featuring a violinist and a bassist from the acclaimed orchestra alai a aciatal 1 via Lit 1111caLl CONTACT US I Thad Ogburn Education editor 829-8987 togburnnewsobservercom Niko le Hannah-Jones Durham County 956-2433 Keung Hui Wake County 829-4534 Marti Maguire Johnston County 829-4841 mmaguirenewsobservercom Todd Silberman state public education 829-4531 Joyce Sykes calendar events people 829-4772 Patrick Winn: Chapel Hill-Carrboro Orange Chatham schools 932-8742 pwinnnewsobservercom I 111101 1111111 111LiF1 SoUl 111V1 FIELD TRIPPING More than 800 teens from throughout the state descended on Raleigh last month as part of the YMCA NC Youth and Government Conference The event was the culmination of a six-month program teaching how state government works liVri aLLIM 9Vif VV141na I I.