Teachers propose collaboration program

Teachers in the Wahkiakum School District would like to get together to collaborate in teaching activities for students.

The collaboration would allow teachers to reinforce each other's activities and enrich the students' education, teachers told the district board of directors last Thursday.

"Out of nine characteristics of high performing schools, collaboration and communication is number four," said educator Tina Merz.

Staff have discussed the concept and feel it would lead to a higher level of learning. Under the concept, teachers at similar grade levels would meet regularly to discuss their learning activities and adapt them so they reinforce each others' lessons.

"But we currently don't have common time for collaboration," Merz said.

She and colleagues Stephanie Leitz and Nicole Wilson proposed adjusting the school day so that students come to school one hour later one day per week so that staff can use that time to collaborate.

Leitz said the teachers and principals support the proposal.

However, the teachers and administrators realize a late start could pose a burden on families who would have to schedule extra child care on that late start morning.

"As a parent of four kids, this would be real tough on me," Wilson said, "but I think it's worth the effort. The benefits will far outweigh my inconvenience."

School staff have scheduled a public meeting for 7 p.m. next Monday at the Wahkiakum High School library to discuss the collaboration program with parents and how it would affect them.

The form of the program isn't yet set. For example, other schools in the region use the program, and some have late start one day a month, and others go every two weeks.

Still, the teachers were enthusiastic about the program's potential.

Teachers will be able to focus on learning, school culture and getting results.

"You can pull the standards you need to improve," Wilson said, "so your teaching is very deliberate."

Schools and administrators need to set up the program carefully, said Superintendent Bob Garrett. For example, state law requires students are with faculty in class at least a minimum amount of time, and that minimum will increase next year.

The teachers will hold the meeting with parents and return to the board's June 19 meeting for further discussion.