Focus on TUSD - March 2008

Housing Solution
Townsend Middle School Students Go to Classes in Small Groups
Some Townsend Middle School sixth-graders go to classes in houses.

In the morning, they arrive at their school building at 2120 N. Beverly Blvd, but after that they separate into "houses" for the rest of the day. In groups of 20 students, they go to three core classes, plus technology. In addition, they choose an elective class.

The house concept is working well in its first year, Principal Barbara Kohl said. Responding to specific needs, the house concept has created a controlled atmosphere, promoted global awareness and has helped teachers offer technology and Spanish courses, she said.

Long term, Townsend wants to expand the house concept to the entire school. "This was commonly used in middle schools in the '90s," Kohl explained. "It's a step back to what we thought was a good idea then, and it's a good idea now." The regular sixth-grade program is also offered.

The concept calls for three house teachers in these core areas: math and science, social studies and Spanish, and reading and language arts. Classes are held in each of these areas for 80 minutes.

It's worked for Joyceline Miranda, who said, "I can hang out with my friends more. I like being in longer classes because you have more time to do your work."

Classmate Sarah Sanzo, whose twin, Becca, is also following the house concept, said she likes having only three main teachers, and added, "It helps me not be late for class because you're with your group all the time."

And Shannon Harris appreciates the chance to get better acquainted with her teachers. "You work longer and harder on stuff and you learn more," she said. "You get to know your classmates better. The classes go fast because you get absorbed in them."

That's mostly the case for Alina Cauley, who said the long class periods are OK, "but sometimes they're a drag." She observed, "We learn more advanced things than other kids. It gives us a better chance at a better life."

To personalize the houses, students chose names for their groups. Block A is Bobble Heads, Block B is Tiger Sharks and Block C is Wild Cats.

Rebecca Warren, the technology teacher, who has all the house students, said, "It's easy to take core concepts and tie them to technology so they can apply them to something beyond the classroom." Students work on assignments from other classes in her room, as well as projects she assigns.

Daureen Lynch, the reading and language arts teacher, who has used the team concept in teaching before, loves the house program. "It gives me more time and flexibility," she explained. "I really get to know all the students."

To participate in this innovative schedule, parents, students and teachers all signed a commitment contract outlining the project-based learning concept, the homework, and the expected rigorous level of learning. Kohl said almost all the initial participants chose to remain in the optional house program.

-- By Sharon Dunham
Communications & Media Relations

Photos in the March issue by Jes Ruvalcaba of Communications & Media Relations, unless otherwise noted.

The deadline to submit material for the April Focus is Friday, April 11. The Focus will be published Monday, April 21. Email submissions to Chyrl Hill Lander or Sharon Dunham in the Communications & Media Relations Department or use the online Tip Sheet.