In Brunswick, we have a standard which we take to heart “Excellence in all we do”. Last year, in English classes that was defined through reading novels and books. This year, we have adapted and shifted away from that to make way for a new system.
The company Houghton Mifflin Hardcourt (HMH) manufactures the textbook called Intro Literature. This new textbook and curriculum is now used by grades six through eleventh and is county wide. These textbooks unlike the old curriculum provide workbook options that can extend learning to a homework environment. In place of novels and books like previously mentioned, this new book provides new types of media like info graphics, charts, and statistics.
Teachers and staff members alike have noticed a bumpy transition, especially with the extension of the program: Writable. “We have to expect hiccups,” a staff member from BHS stated. The staff member also stated, “We need to learn how to use Writable.” This new program is supposed to provide accommodations for the users, however those using the program have noticed the opposite.
Sophomore Anderson Ramirez stated, “I think the new curriculum puts stress on students about their grades and it’s challenging.”
Many students and teachers at BHS have ideas of their own that could make the program easier and improve their learning. Sophomore, Alyssa Dollarhide said, “The curriculum should be more focused towards English and grammar.”
Another (BHS) staff member expressed the need for “[…] More student resources, and examples.” Many students have even expressed the desire for a real book or novel instead of their textbooks and these programs. Freshman, Cassidy Porter stated, “I want to see more novels added to the curriculum.”
I wanted more answers and reached out to the Frederick County Public School’s (FCPS) Student Member of The Board (SMOB), Alexander Thomas. When asked about the old curriculum and how the new curriculum was decided, Thomas stated, “Our previous curriculum used an online tool and was developed by the Secondary ELA team and teachers who served as curriculum writers. That curriculum did not meet the expectations of HQIM (High Quality Instructional Materials, so FCPS considers the adoption of Into Literature as a multi-year investment to support both teachers and students.”
Frederick residents all know that (FCPS) is currently in a budget deficit. When asked about any possible cost saving initiatives, Thomas simply said, “There are no cost savings per se, but FCPS believes financial investment in High Quality Instructional Materials for teachers to use with students is important to help all students be successful.”
So far the new curriculum has consisted of online texts and a student textbook. The content has lots of resources and has featured short stories, poems, statistics, and info graphics. It is unsure how the program will adapt and change to our schools needs throughout the years, however if one things for sure, students can all agree that it just hasn’t met the mark for our students and staff in Brunswick.