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

[Cynthia Kahler <kahler@watervalley.net>]

I guess there is some consolation (?) in knowing that others are going 
through the same thing.   I so strongly believe in technology and its 
ability to influence ALL areas of the curriculum - sometimes I feel I am 
fighting a losing battle.  I do believe it is the way of the future and our 
responsibility to prepare our students - but it is so hard to prepare them 
when so many do not understand or see the importance.  I feel like our 
students in this district see it in the eighth grade Computer Discovery 
program and never see it again.  How prepared have I really made them for 
the future?  Will they remember anything four years from now? and do they 
really see its importance?

I'm sure I won't find the answer - but thanks for your reply.  I hate to 
say there is consolation in seeing the numbers who have replied with the 
same frustrations as me, but the replies all seem to be the same - small 
consolation, just sympathy for the other teachers.

Cynthia Kahler
Oxford Middle School

-----Original Message-----
From:	kossuth [SMTP:sfollin@network-one.com]
Sent:	Monday, February 15, 1999 11:12 AM
To:	Cynthia Kahler
Cc:	Computer Discovery
Subject:	Re: computerdisc-l: passing to the 9th grade

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