Re: computerdisc-l: passing to the 9th grade

[kossuth <sfollin@network-one.com>]

Cynthia Kahler wrote:
> 
> Our district has a policy that a student must fail two "academic" subjects
> and an elective to be retained in the 8th grade.  Even though it is a
> requirement, Computer Discovery falls into the "elective" category.
>  Therefore many students, since they know they do not have to pass, put our
> course on the back burner - wasting time and doing English work, math work,
> etc. in our classroom (if they can get away with it!).  This is making it
> very difficult at times for me to maintain enthusiasm about the  course.
>  I've approached the idea to the district of reconsidering Computer
> Discovery as an "elective" (as it is a requirement) since many 8th graders
> see little other than going to the high school.  Even the Carnegie unit has
> lilttle effect - the ones who are worried about having the high grade for
> their transcript WILL have a high grade.
> 
> Just out of curiosity, what is the policy in your district?  I'm curious as
> to whether others are suffering the same frustation as I am.
> 
> Cynthia Kahler
> Oxford Middle School
This is the same policy we have in our district.  Unfortunately, I too
have struggled with this problem for 3 years.  All I do is try to
encourage those who are not concerned with their grades.  I tell them
that if they pass they won't have to repeat any computer electives. 
Most of the ones I have are just not interested in computers.  They see
it as a toy not a tool for learning.  I have spent a lot of time agruing
this to my administration.  Some of it stems from not having any
structured computer learning until this grade.  I have also offered a
plan to my administration to help get lower grade level teachers to use
the computer more as a tool and not a toy in their classrooms.  Our
small, poor district also has the attitude that the four major subject
areas take priority over a "vocational" course such as computer.  Even
teachers of other subjects are not aware of what computer knowledge can
do for them. I hope you find an answer to this problem.  I want to know
what it is.

Suzanne Follin
Kossuth High School