Letter to the Editor: Dramatic Changes in Farmington Schools

Over the past few months we have learned that the Farmington Schools will be undergoing many changes in its curriculum and teaching approach. Furthermore, these changes have been in the planning since 2010, yet we as the parents and residents of Farmington are just beginning to learn about them. The first implementation of the changes occurred at our high school in September of 2014 with the new grading policy. That change has met with overwhelming disapproval from both the parents and the students and was temporarily reversed by Dr. Silva, our high school principal. We have since learned of additional changes that will be introduced to our children and that leave us with many unanswered questions. A number of terms have been introduced to us such as: 1) create student-driven learning pathways; 2) redefine graduation standards; 3) make achievement the constant and time the variable; and 4) design for self-direction and collaboration. These are just a few of the concepts that are being used with little or no explanation as to the exact meaning and affect on our children’s educational experience in school.

The Farmington parents and community deserve to be made aware of any plans that directly affect the future of our children’s education prior to any implementation of those changes. We strongly encourage all parents and residents of Farmington to attend all Board of Education meetings and planned Forums to learn more about the planned changes. The next BOE meeting is scheduled for this Monday the 12th of January at 7 p.m. at the Farmington High School Library. The next forum is scheduled for January 27th, 2015 at 7 p.m. at the FHS Library.

Although our goal is to work collaboratively with the Administration and BOE, we as parents as well as citizens of Farmington, demand to have a voice regarding any changes that are being made to our town’s educational system and to have no changes made without our knowledge and or approval.

Thank you,

Olivia and Tim Germano