Nicolet Planning Discussion on Proposed, Controversial Resource Period

In response to criticism from students, teachers and parents at the February Curriculum Committee meeting, Nicolet High School will hold an open forum discussion on the controversial 40 minute Resource Period at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the library.

"By identifying a specific period of time for these things to occur during
the school day ensures that all students have universal access to support
in their classes, enrichment when appropriate, intervention when necessary
and connection with an adult in the building through advisory," Curriculum and Instruction Adviser Lisa Elliot said.

To create this 40-minute block, Elliot proposed lengthening the school day 14 minutes and shortening classes by four minutes. School would then begin at 7:20 a.m. instead of 7:23 a.m., and end at 2:34 p.m. instead of 2:30 p.m. Every other Wednesday would remain early release days.

However, at the February committee meeting, parents, teachers and a few students just weren't convinced the resource period would be utilized properly. Many cited concerns that the period would be used solely as a "glorified study hall."

The discussion and proposal on this resource period is prompted by a new federal law that requires all Wisconsin schools to implement some kind of Response to Intervention action by December 2013 - meaning a program to reach all students including average, gifted and struggling.

"Response to Intervention is not a special education initiative," she said. "It is a systemic change in how a school/district approaches teaching and learning. All students need to be provided high quality instruction based upon a rigorous curriculum that is aligned to the standards at the universal (tier one) level."

The School Board agreed in January to postpone a vote on the new resource period until they were able to receive additional information.