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Schools

Transition First Grade Eliminated At CES

Low enrollment leads to the cancelation of a program designed to give students time to learn at their own pace.

In most school districts, children go to first grade whether they are ready or not. In past years, the Transition First Grade (T1) program has given Brookfield families an option other than pushing their children ahead before they are ready. The T1 program at Center Elementary School (CES) was designed for students who needed extra time to develop their skills and mature socially and emotionally before entering the highly structured first grade environment. For next year, the program has been eliminated.

"We will not be running the T1 program at Center Elementary School next year due to low enrollment," said CES Principal Carrie Kilian. "Traditionally we have had more students recommended for the program than we did this year."

Each year, kindergarten teachers are asked to identify two students in their class who may benefit from the T1 program. The students are then observed further. If they are recommended for the program, parents have the choice to enroll their child or put them directly into first grade.  T1 has the advantage of small class size and extra personal attention for the students, with a typical enrollment of 15-18 students.

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According to a parent who was considering T1 for her child for 2010-2011, Kilian addressed the parents of students selected to enter the program in September, but only three of those families chose T1 for their children.  

"T1 is actually a factor in buying a home in this district," according to Brookfield resident and current T1 parent, Laura Pizzirusso. "In fact, it was for us — only four years ago. As a former certified NYS teacher, I knew that a smaller classroom, alternative teaching approaches and more classroom and reinforcement time would work for my son."

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Pizzirusso stated, "I am concerned for those children who did not have a successful Kindergarten and need alternative ways of teaching and help with skills such as decoding. I can't understand why repeating Kindergarten is a better option."

T1 teacher Sarah Laughlin, who has taught in the Brookfield district for more than 25 years, will teach first grade for the 2010-2011 school year. It has not been clarified by the district if the program will be eliminated permanently.

Superintendent Tony Bivona did not return requests for comment as of the last posting.

Many parents who support the program are concerned that it will be permanently eliminated and plan to bring their concerns to the Board of Education at Wednesday evening's meeting.

A lengthy explanation of the program structure and benefits is available at the district website

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