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Show All-track school to be tested in Lay ton By SCOTT StMMERILL The Davis County Board of Education Edu-cation heard details of a program to begin at Layton's Adams Elementary Elemen-tary school this year that will keep teachers in the classroom all year and put students on a six weeks on, three weeks off schedule. The program, known as the Adams Project, is a variation on the 45-15 plan currently being used in several schools in the county. One of the primary differences between the Adams Project and the 45-15 program is that teachers will remain in the classroom most of the year, according to Dr. Russ Olson, which, among other things, will eliminate the confusion and time loss associated with breaks in classroom schedules and ease the need for teachers to seek other employment during current break periods. "Under the 45-15 plan, the students and teachers are off track at the same time," Olson said. "This will keep teachers on track all year. ' ' The Adams Project, which was developed by members of Adams Elementary school, will utilize a selected group of three teachers to test the program during its pilot period. The project will involve three 36-student 36-student classes; a sixth grade class taught by Robert Albrecht, a fifth grade class taught by JoAnn Turner and a third grade class taught by Richard Whitehead. However, because of the "tracking system" used, there will only be 27 students in each class at any given time. Essentially, the class will be divided into four, nine-member groups; Track A, Track B, Track C and Track D. Three tracks will be in class at a time, with the other off track (on break). Each track will be in class approximately nine weeks, then off for three on a year-round rotation, with a three-week break for everyone during July. "This will keep teachers on track all year." "It will be a terrific challenge for the teachers," said Board President Lynn Summerhays. Turner agreed with Summerhays about the challenge of the project and stressed that organizational planning and methodic action will be essential to the success of the program. B ut, she added the schedule would help eliminate teacher burnout and increase the efficiency ef-ficiency of classroom time. "As you look at the schedule," Turner said, "you'll see how streamlined this system is. Plus, I'll only have 30 students in the class instead of 35, so I don't think we'll have (the teacher burnout) problem." prob-lem." Turner added that parents will have the option of whether to have their children involved in the program pro-gram or not, and even have the choice of teachers. At the end of the school year, testing, required by the state, will provide information CONTINUED ON PG.2 t J r r j j 1 J t Mt A fc I r School CONTINUED FROM PG. 1 about the program's ability to meet minimum educational requirements. re-quirements. "With our new computer system, we'll be able to track any student at any time," Talbot told the board. "You'll tell us how the kids have done through their test results. ' Superintendent Richard Kendell said, "This is on a pilot program sums. But, I'm in favor of trying new ideas.' The program will cut the number of days each student is in the classroom from 180 to 170. Therefore, in order to meet minimum state requirements for attendance, at-tendance, each class day will be extended ex-tended by 19 minutes. The Adams Project will be closely close-ly watched by school board officials and teachers throughout Davis County, according to Olson. If successful, suc-cessful, the program could be adopted by other schools. A similar "All Track teaching schedule has been used in the Provo and Alpine Districts for some time. "Knowlton Elementary (in Far-mington) Far-mington) is considering a similar program right now Olson said. Taco Time is getting a new look for spring. Pastel colors will adorn the newly redecorated restaurant. restau-rant. Construction is scheduled for the first of June. |
