School Board Meeting of June 21, 1971
Ohlones Consortium Elementary School
Mr. James Mathiott, Principal of Ohlones School, addressed the Board regarding the Ohlones Plan. He noted that this was an information item. Mr. Mathiott indicated that this proposal is the opportunity to join other Bay Area elementary schools in developing ways of individualizing instruction, utilizing the existing elementary school curriculum and the existing staff conditions.
Mr. Mathiott pointed out that the Ohlones School has a history of involvement in working toward individualized instruction. He said the staff feels that it can learn from others and that others can learn from it by working together with other elementary schools which have similar interests and with a consulting group that has knowledgeable experience behind it.
Mr. Mathiott stated that the program would start next fall by taking a survey of the Ohlones parent community, asking them to react to the goals which they see for their children at Ohlones. He went on to say that the staff is not talking about implementing a program on September 7th, but beginning to develop a plan. He said the full implementation of this plan would not be established for possibly three years. Mr. Mathiott indicated that because this is a preliminary plan, the staff was not prepared to inform the Board as to what precisely it will be doing. He noted that in the field of individualized instruction there have been three thrusts. The first is to segment the curriculum into very small units and to present those units to the children in a predetermined sequence. The second main thrust is to individualize by adding staff. The third thrust and the one the staff is interested in is to change the relationship of the teacher to the pupil by having the professional teacher and the pupil working together rather than the pupil merely a reactive agent to what the teacher gives out. Mr. Mathiott noted that many things that would be done under this plan are already being conducted in the Palo Alto Unified School District quite successfully.
Mr. Mathiott discussed the proposed consortium of Bay Area elementary schools. He said it is being coordinated through the California Teachers Association. The main agent for the impetus of new ideas, Mr. Mathiott continued, will be the International Center for Educational Development, of Encino, California. He noted that at this time there are eight schools in eight different districts which have some type of commitment and there are three or four others that have indicated great interest in joining in the fall.
Mr. Mathiott indicated that this proposal was first presented to Ohlones about two months ago. He added that he was very impressed with the seriousness with which the staff examined the pros and cons of the consortium. Mr. Mathiott stated that the Ohlones staff carefully investigated the consortium proposal, met with those who will be directing it, visited schools which are attempting to implement some of its concepts and after extended discussions, voted overwhelmingly to participate in the plan. He went on to say that the school has been in communication with the parents through letters and the P.T.A.
Mr. Mathiott stated that this proposal has been approved by Cabinet and by the Certificated Employees Council. He said the staff at Ohlones is asking to work with other schools to develop programs which will be implemented gradually.
Mr. Mathiott introduced Mrs. Fay Morrison, a teacher at Ohlones. Mrs. Morrison told the Board how she first reacted unfavorably to the program. She indicated that after close examination of the program instead of objecting she couldn't bear to be left out of something that can really help to develop a more promising educational environment.
Mr. Kris Krause explained what an Ohlones classroom might be like under this proposal. He noted that the ideas were suggestive only and that much development of ideas, teaching techniques, etc., were necessary. He said under this plan, a classroom would be more structured for learning. Mr. Krause said this type of program will require increased skills and ability both on the part of the children and the teachers. He said teachers at Ohlones feel a very personal, professional responsibility to insure that students get the best education possible. He said the staff feels that these ideas have great potential benefit for students. He noted that students would be meeting for various group discussions.
Dr. Cole expressed disappointment that Mr. Krause did not indicate that such group discussion time would not be used to teach history. He stated that there are parts of the proposal that are exciting and do indicate possible success. He suggested that the staff not make the program highly complicated with mechanical devices.
Mr. Fletcher noted that this is a specialized type of in-service training limited to Ohlones. He asked how the Board, as a matter of policy, could justify this program which is expensive in time and funds and is limited to one school.
Mr. Mathiott noted that this has been done in the past for Ventura School. He said he could be comfortable with this because he could foresee the Ohlones teachers being able to help other staff members within the Palo Alto Unified School District.
Mr. Fletcher questioned how many years were necessary to make this a feasible and productive program.
Mr. Mathiott said it would be evaluated after the first year and that it could go on for three to five years.
Mrs. Robinson noted that a program that is very rich in its offerings is one where each child can get the most benefit. She indicated her approval of this proposal.
Mr. Cutler stated that he was all for this program if the district could afford it. He noted that the Board had been given a good exposure to this proposal and that no action was necessary at this time.
A letter strongly supporting the consortium proposal at Ohlones School was received from Mr. O. W. Markley, Ph.D.
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