FAQ

**Frequently Asked Questions/Concerns **
Below is a conversation between a parent and Ms. Robinson.

**//__Q 1:__ The Gator Pod is a new program. Isn't here is always uncertainty with new programs that have not yet ‘proven’ their success?//** __A 2:__ I agree. New programs provide uncertainty for all involved. (I've had many a sleepless night thus far envisioning my role in the program.) My response is that - in this case - new programs also provide enthusiasm, opportunity and experience that traditional programs might not. Rest assured that the four teachers for this program have already spent countless hours collaborating on the format for the program. We will have several planning days between now and September ensuring that the curriculum is being met - and, hopefully, exceeded. The four of us have also been teaching for many years (this is my 20th) and so are confident that we can cover the skills that we would cover in a traditional classroom in a way that encourages the students to be responsible for their learning rather than simply recipients of content.

//** __Q 2:__ Given that there is an indication for (significant) group work, I would be concerned that the load would not be evenly shared, and what would the effect/result be on my child or the individual student? **// __A 2:__ This is a valid point. For any assignment that a student receives a summative grade (one that impacts his/her final grade), individual criteria will be established. Each student would have an individual responsibility within the group and will be evaluated on that responsibility. In a program like this, I envision more opportunity for collaborating with individual students about their progress. I also think self-evaluation is going to be key. In each of the subjects, there will also be individual assignments and tests to measure students' abilities in the skills taught. This is something we've certainly discussed. While much of the curriculum lends itself to personalized learning, some skills will be taught and assessed with traditional methods.

//** __Q 3:__ If a child was looking for enrichment in English, (I understand there is a math 9 option) would they be getting it in Gator Pod? If not, would they be able eligible in grade 9? **// __A 3:__ Definitely. I teach the English 12 Advanced Placement classes at our school. While a student taking the G-Pod program would not receive an 'honours' status on his/her report card, I would do all that I could to provide an enriched environment for any student who showed an ability or who expressed an interest to do so. Students can always take English Honours in the next grade without having taken it before as long as their teacher feels it would be a beneficial choice for the student. In fact, I have a variety of students in my grade 12 AP courses this year who didn't take any English Honours classes in grades 8-11. They're all having enriched experiences this year.

__A 4:__ Thanks for letting me know. We'll certainly look at that as it's not at all our intent. When we researched this program, we visited another school in Surrey who is having great success with this approach. One of the reasons they're successful is that that have a variety of students in their program. While one student may excel in art, another may have a penchant for math and yet another may have read all of Shakespeare by the age of 8. Seriously, a variety of student abilities is the key to this program. What we hope they share is interest in their own learning, a concern for extending their skills to the broader community, and a desire to strengthen their collaborative and leadership skills.
 * // __Q 4:__ When my daughter initially approached me, the information on the web site (or maybe it was the application form) led me to believe it was for students with learning disabilities or special needs. (I wasn’t the only parent that had that impression). //**

__A 5:__ It would be my hope that if students enjoy the program, they would enroll again in G-Pod 9. We already have several teachers eagerly watching how this program develops so they can begin creating a template for grade 9. If your daughter chose not to take the program in grade 9, however, English 9 Honours is certainly open to her. In fact, the Ministry of Education is currently moving the entire province to 'personalized learning'. All curriculum is currently being rewritten to facilitate this.
 * // __Q 5:__ After Gator Pod 8 – then what? Are the students then put back into ‘traditional’ individual classes? Are we confident that the students will be successful as the curriculum takes a jump that they will be adequately prepared? This was my daughter’s concern after she considered her options hoping to enter into the English Honours program; would she be behind going into Grade 9? Would she be able to enter into or apply to English Honours 9? //**

__A 6:__ As an English teacher, I'm committed to ensuring that students have a strong set of communication skills: vocabulary, voice, audience etc. I'm planning to emphasize this in regards to both written and oral communication. Above that, students in this program will be encouraged learn how to research, collaborate, make connections, ask questions, connect with community on their own initiative. If we can spend this year guiding them and giving them the skills and confidence to do so, our students will be leaders in our school and community - and more importantly, in their own learning. Too many students haven't learned those skills: they expect to be handed the content and then hand it back in the form a test. G-Pod will be much more than that.
 * // __Q 6:__ Once finished the Gator Pod 8 program, what skills, advantages, abilities will the students have (should have) compared to the students in the ‘traditional’ high school grade 8 program? //**

__** Other common concerns **__

__A:__ A variety of skills regarding use of computers will be introduced in G-Pod. Students will create multi-media presentations, will communicate with each other utilizing blogging sites such as Tumblr, and will develop research skills utilizing a variety of on-line databases. These skills are different from the ones covered in Computers 8. (Please see the WGSS Travel Guide for a full course description of Computers 8.) The prerequisites for the advanced computer courses, however, do not require Computers 8; they require an introduction to computer use, which students in the G-Pod program will have. It is up to each G-Pod student to decide whether or not he or she is interested in pursuing the additional skills taught in Computers 8.
 * // __Q:__ With the use of technology in G-Pod, will my child need to take Computers 8 as an elective? //**