First edition of the TonkaFocus e-newsletter sent to subscribers May 18, 2005
SCHOOL BOARD UPDATES
Thursday, May 19, 2005 Study Session 5:00 p.m. District Service Center Special Meeting of Board of Education to follow at 7:00 p.m.
Members of the public and/or staff are welcome to observe study sessions. You can bring a sandwich – the board usually has their dinner brought in. No votes are taken; informal discussion.
The Board may discuss and review graduation credits, including Art, PE, Health and Social Studies requirements, which would affect scheduling for the 06-07 school year and beyond, but not the 05-06 school year. Expected vote: June 2, 2005. Other topics: differentiation, facilities projects, student handbook and policy changes.
The Board may discuss and review the IB texts. Expected vote: later that evening during the Special Board Meeting.
Thursday, May 19, 2005 7:00 p.m. Board of Education Special Meeting
The Public Comment portion of the meeting is generally first on the agenda, very near 7:00 p.m.
At a regular Board meeting, members of the public and/or staff may comment to the Board on any agenda item, following guidelines and time limits, which are printed and available that evening and stated by the board chair at the beginning of public comments.
A special board meeting (like May 19) may be scheduled if needed, and follows the scheduled study sessions. At a special meeting, people may address the Board on any issue of concern, following guidelines outlined above.
On the agenda for the May 19 Special Meeting are: student handbook, graduation requirements, IB textbooks, texts for Social Studies grades 6-12, grammar texts grades 9-12.
May 5 School Board Meeting – All members were present except Mr. Eaton. The board saw a list of textbooks for IB, including a macrobiology course not yet taught at Minnetonka. The books, including the core text for the Theory of Knowledge class, were to be on public view until May 19 at the District Service Center during regular business hours. Dave Eaton took them around midday Monday, May 16; as of mid-afternoon Tuesday they had not been returned, so call before you go. 401-5010 or 401-5013, Claudia Risnes, Exec. Dir. Of Teaching and Learning
Have you seen the books? Let the school board know what you think by e-mailing schoolboard@minnetonka.k12.mn.us. Do you trust Dr. Ann Swanson, IB Director, to choose appropriate texts? You could e-mail the board to say so.
The board is expected to vote on the purchase on May 19; the public may comment on this at the start of the board meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Also discussed were options for the number of graduation credits Minnetonka should require and how they should be configured, with some flexibility in Social Studies, Art, PE and Health. Polly Patrick, MHS Social Studies teacher, made an entertaining argument for requiring more credits rather than less, as several offerings are most appealing to, and most needed by, older students. She said “high-flyers” will take 4+ credits; we need to reach the “low-flyers.” She also reminded the board to allow for failure, but not to plan for it. At this, Dave Adney, MHS principal, was smiling and nodding. The board will discuss this May 19; expected vote June 2.
The board approved World Language standards after Bill Wenmark questioned the need for 3-4 years of foreign language courses and asked what are we preparing students for - diplomatic corps? Mr. Wenmark raised similar questions when the World Language teachers made their presentation at an earlier meeting. Discussion included college requirements, and advantages for students who might want to minor in a language at college with a view to future employment in a variety of fields.
Mr. Wenmark also wondered if the district can cancel courses with low enrollment, such as IB. Dr. Peterson explained that the high school can combine some classes with low enrollment, such as Art, to serve students who’ve requested a class. This has been done with IB/AP in some cases, too; students are registering for classes to obtain an IB diploma, so there are limits to how much can be cancelled. Dr. Peterson stated the district is committed to nurturing IB until enrollment increases; enrollment is increasing more quickly than expected; he will have more information for the board to discuss soon.
The board heard presentations by ECFE and Scenic Heights – both had really wonderful slide shows.
The board heard a legislative update and thanked CASE volunteers for their work to secure education funding. See CASE on the district web site http://www.minnetonka.k12.mn.us/CASE for an update of this last crucial week at the MN legislature.
To ask for Minnetonka Board of Education meeting agendas by e-mail, contact
Pam.Scott@minnetonka.k12.mn.us Agenda is sent the Monday before a Thursday meeting and/or study session.
Agendas are posted on the district web site the Monday before a Thursday meeting/study session. The minutes are posted once they are approved by the Board. The full schedule of regular meetings and study sessions are here, too: www.minnetonka.k12.mn.us/district/schoolboard/MeetingSchedule.htm
To contact the Board of Education:
For comments directed to all school board members and Dr. Peterson, Superintendent: schoolboard@minnetonka.k12.mn.us The board has agreed that all public remarks should come from the chair, Erin Adams. She may answer herself or refer you to another board or staff member. You can contact board members individually, and they will reply to you, but may copy the rest of the board. Home phone numbers of board members are on the district web site, if you prefer to call.
For questions to individual members:
Peggy.Stefan@minnetonka.k12.mn.us Peggy Stefan
Robert.Quam@minnetonka.k12.mn.us Bob Quam
Erin.Adams@minnetonka.k12.mn.us Erin Adams
William.Wenmark@minnetonka.k12.mn.us Bill Wenmark
Carol.Eastlund@minnetonka.k12.mn.us Carol Eastlund
David.Eaton@minnetonka.k12.mn.us Dave Eaton
Judy.Erdahl@minnetonka.k12.mn.us Judy Erdahl
Dennis.Peterson@minnetonka.k12.mn.us Dennis Peterson
COMING ATTRACTIONS
Science Curriculum Alignment with State Standards
In the next few weeks, the district will likely begin reviewing our science curriculum at all grade levels to align it with the state standards. The issue of teaching evolution with or without intelligent design creationism may come up. “Intelligent design” is a religious/philosophical concept, and not a scientific theory, but its proponents are trying hard to cram it into science classrooms, under the guise of “teach the controversy.” Dave Eaton has been very active in the intelligent design creationism movement, signing a “minority report” advocating for its teaching when he served on the state science standards committee, advising other school districts how to bring intelligent design into their curriculum, writing in the Star Tribune. The “minority report” was rejected by the legislature and MN Dept. of Education; “intelligent design” is not part of the MN science standards. Several people from TonkaFocus will monitor this closely – watch for updates.
For more information about biology and evolution, visit the National Center for Science Education at http://www.ncseweb.org
School Board Election Filings are due in July.
The seats held by Erin Adams, Carol Eastlund and Bob Quam are open for election. Current board members seeking reelection (all three have said they are interested in running again) must file between July 5 – 19, 2005, along with others who may seek seats. New this year: a law regarding primary elections, which may be required on September 13 (MN state primary day) depending upon the number of candidates filing. Election is in November, with board members taking seats in January 2006.
FUN FACT: Future editions of TonkaFocus are expected to be much shorter!
3. SUMMARY of IB Issues:
1. It’s not a new program. This board voted for it unanimously in 2003, knowing we were facing budget cuts, but certain that the program would be an asset to the district.
2. The IB program is consistent with the District’s vision and goals of challenging and supporting its students, and was the first consideration when the board decided to pursue IB. If it attracts other students, and the state allotment they bring (approx. $5500) that would be a bonus.
3. Over 50% of the start-up costs have been paid by a federal grant.
4. President Bush supports the availability of both IB and AP to increase student achievement. Governor Pawlenty includes IB in his “Get Ready, Get Credit” education initiative.
5. The Minnetonka Board of Education is responsible for curriculum decisions affecting our students, using guidelines set by the Minnesota Department of Education, and is not beholden to the United Nations or other outside entities.
6. The approximate $50,000 cost of IB doesn’t come close to covering the $425,000 needed to keep the high school at 7 periods per day instead of 6.
7. No budget trade-offs were discussed when Mr. Eaton proposed eliminating IB, so the goal was not to save another program by getting rid of IB. Cutting IB could add $50,000 to the budget, but would not restore any particular program.
8. The district budget was examined in detail, publicly, in the months before the February 24 budget reduction vote. Is it a good use of time and resources to re-examine every $50,000 expenditure?
9. The top American high school in Newsweek’s 2004 list of schools offering AP and/or IB is Jefferson County International Baccalaureate in Irondale, Alabama. Minnetonka ranks 929, Edina 201, SW Minneapolis 296, St. Louis Park 305, Patrick Henry 506, Apple Valley 573, Hopkins 625, Wayzata 901, Robbinsdale Armstrong 1033.
www.newsweek.com Minnesota has no schools ranked in their top 100. Not definitive, but interesting.
10. Some of the community members and board members who have objected publicly to IB are also raising concerns about other areas of district curriculum and policy.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE AT MINNETONKA – THE FULL STORY if you want it
The Minnetonka school board voted unanimously in November 2003, after extensive research, and knowing that we’d be facing budget cuts, to add the IB Diploma program for grades 11 & 12 to our curriculum, agreeing that it meshed with the district’s vision, mission and goals.
www.minnetonka.k12.mn.us/district/vision/index.htm
The district then began the application and certification process. Part of the Board of Education’s duties is to approve core materials for all subjects in the school district. The 11th grade IB curriculum was approved in early 2004, with plans to approve the 12th grade curriculum in early 2005.
In September 2004, the first group of 11th grade MHS students began classes in our IB program.
January 6, 2005 Board Meeting: All members were present. The books requested for IB Theory of Knowledge (to be taught beginning 05-06) were presented for vote, having been originally reviewed at the December 16, 2004 study session, with teachers present to answer questions.
Dr. Peterson presented the list and said there was good rationale to adopt them not as texts, but as resources for discussion.
Bill Wenmark expressed concerns about the way the materials would be used to teach; he feels they are pro-Marxist and anti-American; not convinced Doug Kennedy has depth to teach these books effectively without other things to balance; concerned about developing a contrarian attitude in adolescents’ minds; brain research shows adolescents default to anger center; doesn’t believe 17 & 18 yr old children have capability to agree or disagree with what program is all about; “we suggested some texts to gentleman teaching this” but they’re not here.
Dr. Peterson: books are a resource to challenge student’s thinking, not a text to be taught – in light of this, we wanted to stay away from books laden with religious overtones which would be more appropriate in comparative religion course; AP & IB students clearly capable of handling this material – want to be careful of implying that we have students whose brains can’t handle challenging material – clearly we do have capable students.
Erin Adams, Chair, asked Claudia Risnes for brief description of course.
Claudia Risnes, Director of Teaching and Learning: I didn’t ask Doug K. or science teachers or others to be here tonight because I didn’t know you had further questions for them; they would gladly have come if asked. Doug K and I fully committed to addressing your concerns for more materials as requested in December; researching books from list Mr. Eaton sent; looking for a text on logic students could use. Theory of Knowledge is key component of IB, introducing students to basic elements of thought and understanding, the relationship between language and thought, the relationship between knowledge and truth. Students are not presented with “here is truth, here is knowledge” but are encouraged to look for fallacies in logic and to analyze and think critically about the ideological and cultural beliefs portrayed by a writer.
Dave Eaton said Sagan and Campbell and some others promote atheism, which is a religion, so he feels the list not balanced and wants “both sides” of the belief systems represented. If eliminating theistic belief system, then eliminate atheistic; doesn’t believe 17 & 18 yr olds’ knowledge is not enough to stand up to atheist Sagan and Campbell; books are against district policy.
Dr. Peterson: purpose of course is not to analyze the beliefs and truths of Christianity; to have material that would lead students to do that would be a mistake. Believes himself that atheism can be considered a religion, but to have students critique and tear apart atheism is more palatable than to do the same to Christianity or any specific religion. Unlike most courses, challenge is the point here – let’s be careful what we lead kids to challenge.
Erin Adams: Remember IB is an elective program, not required; students self-select.
Carol Eastlund: Reassured by Claudia and Dennis – if they say there will be more texts, I know they will follow through. Exposing students to new ideas is not the same as advocating them.
Judy Erdahl: Clarify, please Dave – did you say if there are other books included later you would not object to any books we’re considering today?
Dave Eaton: Yes, but I don’t want to vote on partial list.
Peggy Stefan: I read these books, too, understand they are for discussion, not texts to be taught. My son read Huck Finn which has language and ideas I could object to, but he wrote a great essay about it.
Bob Quam to Claudia Risnes: We’ve heard several times that these books promote only one way of thinking or knowing. Do you believe that?
Claudia Risnes: No. Discussion here is separating things between atheistic and theistic viewpoint and that’s not intent of course.
Bob Quam: So that’s not the opinion of our professional staff - It’s the opinion of two board members.
Vote was taken to approve the partial list of materials with the provision that the board would have the opportunity to vote on the final list. Unanimous in favor.
Erin Adams: Thank you for your advocacy and work for kids. Good discussion.
This meeting seems to be the first time ideological concerns were raised publicly about IB, 4 months after the first Minnetonka students began the IB Diploma.
Read full minutes of this meeting at:
www.minnetonka.k12.mn.us/district/schoolboard/minutes/1605minutes.pdf
At the February 8, 2005 Board meeting, all members were present except Mr. Wenmark. Three people spoke during public comments about their objections to the IB program, citing a conflict between IB and the district’s vision, the opposition of IB curriculum to American values, the possible damage to AP, the cost of serving so few students and the possibility that parents were leaving the district to avoid IB. Dr. Peterson answered their concerns, stating that AP and IB will grow together. He pointed out the 41 AP scholars honored at a ceremony earlier that evening as evidence of the district’s commitment to AP. The IB Theory of Knowledge materials were on the agenda for this meeting, but Mr. Eaton requested that more time be given to study the issue, and the agenda item was removed. Read the full minutes of this meeting at:
http://www.minnetonka.k12.mn.us/district/schoolboard/minutes/2-8-05minutes.pdf
At the February 24, 2005 board meeting, preceded by a study session, all members were present. At this meeting, the board expected to vote on the final $3.2 million in budget cuts. A few people spoke during the public comment time, objecting strenuously to IB as unsuitable for Minnetonka for various reasons: promotes a worldview rather than American values; AP teachers will switch to IB and AP will suffer; the U.N. approves of IB and they personally object to U.S. involvement in U.N. A petition with 103 signatures was presented to the board by Joni Sichting. The petition in full reads as follows:
- Whereas, many ideals and tenants of the International Baccalaureate Program are in direct opposition to the ideals and tenants of the Vision of the Minnetonka School District
- Whereas, the curriculum and philosophy of our students' education should be under the control of our locally elected school board and not a European organization tied to the United Nations
- Whereas, the Minnetonka Schools have had to cut $3.2 million from the budget this year, reducing many valuable programs, the Minnetonka Schools do not have the resources to fund both the AP and IB programs
Whereas, the Minnetonka Schools should focus our limited resources on Minnetonka students and not spend money on programs focused mainly on attracting students that do not live in our district
Whereas, the Minnetonka Schools have built up one of the top Advanced Placement (AP) programs in the state and recognize that AP programs at other schools have suffered significantly after implementing the International Baccalaureate program
Whereas, the International Baccalaureate rejects Judeo-Christian values held by the majority of families in our district and instead promotes the atheistic Secular Humanist principles of multiculturalism, pacifism, one-world government and moral relativism
Whereas, the students that complete our existing AP classes get credit at far more colleges that students that complete IB courses
Therefore, We the undersigned, the voters of the Minnetonka School District call upon our elected School Board members to preserve the quality of our schools by following the Minnetonka Vision, by rejecting the materials for the Theory of Knowledge and eliminating the International Baccalaureate program.
Several people spoke in support of IB as an opportunity to think globally and interact with students from around the world, and praised the depth and quality of teaching needed to implement the program. Dr. Peterson answered questions and stated again the district’s commitment to both AP and IB as important parts of an outstanding curriculum to serve Minnetonka students.
Later, during board discussion about budget cuts, Dave Eaton moved that IB be cut completely in view of such community objections. Bill Wenmark seconded. One school board member questioned Mr. Eaton, saying she hadn’t been aware he had budgetary concerns about IB until his e-mail sent to fellow board members late the night before. Erin Adams, chair, asked if the budget discussion was being used as a place to air ideological concerns. She reminded Mr. Eaton that he’d said he wants to see IB succeed. Mr. Eaton agreed that this was so, but said he hadn’t fully realized that the texts used in IB, particularly in the Theory of Knowledge course in the second year, were not in keeping with the way he feels most parents in Minnetonka are raising their children. On a roll call vote, Eaton and Wenmark voted in favor of removing IB; Adams, Eastlund, Erdahl, Stefan and Quam voted to retain it. With this 5-2 vote, the board upheld their previous (unanimous) November 2003 decision to maintain the IB Program.
The board discussed the additional Theory of Knowledge class materials in the presence of members of the public at the study session before the 7:00 p.m. budget meeting on Feb 24. During the board meeting, Ms. Erdahl moved and Ms. Eastlund seconded that the board purchase them. The texts recommended for the Theory of Knowledge class are listed in the minutes of the February 24 board meeting, along with the 5-2 vote to accept them: Eaton and Wenmark against; Adams, Eastlund, Erdahl, Stefan and Quam in favor.
Read the full minutes of this meeting at:
http://www.minnetonka.k12.mn.us/district/schoolboard/minutes/2-24-05specialmeeting.pdf
In the weeks after the Feb 24 meeting, letters to the editor began appearing in local papers objecting to the “new” program in a time of budget cuts and the story got legs as a budget issue instead of the ideological issue originally raised at the January 2005 board meeting.
The district “white paper” on IB can be seen at:
http://www.minnetonka.k12.mn.us/IB/ It’s a comprehensive 18 pages long, but if you still have questions, there are district contacts to call for answers.
You can view letters to the editor and articles in local papers’ archives:
Direct link to article by Claudia Risnes, Exec. Director of Teaching and Learning for the Minnetonka School District, Clearing up the myths about the IB Program:
http://www.mnsun.com/archive.asp?display=story2&year=2005&storyID=156689
Direct links to the Star Tribune May 4,2005 article by Shruti Mathurs: http://www.startribune.com/stories/106/5381335.html and letters: http://www.startribune.com/stories/106/5378596.html
Direct link to article by Erin Adams, Chair of Minnetonka Board of Education, Excellence in Hard Times
http://www.mnsun.com/archive.asp?display=story2&year=2005&storyID=157137
Read the City Pages article from May 11, 2005 by Brett Stursa, We Don’t Need No Education at:
http://www.citypages.com/databank/26/1275/article13267.asp
April 21, 2005 school board study session: A committee of citizens and staff studying various options for elementary/middle school instruction presented their report with 6 suggested options, including IB. Julie Light, High Potential Coordinator at Minnetonka Middle School West, a parent in the district, and a member of the study committee, presented her written objections to IB at any level in the Minnetonka Schools. The Board can use the suggestions of this committee for future planning under the Minnetonka Strategic Plan. No timeline is currently set, but it may be discussed this summer.
TONKAFOCUS