In Wake of MCAS Scores, Middle School Schedule To Be Changed

Wilmington Middle School administrators want to alter the school's scheduling structure in the wake of disappointing scores on the last few rounds of MCAS exams.

Appearing before the School Committee recently, Principal Christine McMenimen issued a presentation that called for, among other things, an additional 60 minutes of instruction time each day in the core subjects, as well as interdisciplinary "pods" in language arts, math, social studies and science, according to an article appearing in the Town Crier.

The school would still follow block scheduling with a six-day cycle.

Foreign language, phys. ed. and performing arts would be offered twice per cycle, with phys. ed. switching to a year-round program, according to the article.

The proposal sprung from recommendations put together by a committee commissioned by Superintendent Joanne Benton. The groups met for from Aug. through December, 2012, charged with increasing instruction time in the core subjects while still offering students a well-rounded education.

Benton said MCAS test scores for the Middle School in recent years have not been acceptable and these changes were needed.