For decades, Brookline High School has been the jewel in the crown of Brookline’s school system, and generations of students have reaped its rewards. Choice among many courses and multiple levels is a pillar of BHS excellence. But as Brookline.News has reported, plans were announced to unlevel ninth-grade English courses, a change described at a recent School Committee meeting as a “radical rethinking of pedagogy.”
Concerned parents, students and other stakeholders have major questions about this proposed elimination of Standard and Honors courses, which are designed to provide appropriate levels of support and challenge to students who choose them. Among the most urgent: Why is this experiment being expanded before we have solid answers about its effects on all students? (An English pilot has been running since only September, and plans have been announced to restructure math and physics to place all students in the same classroom. And how can the community have more input going forward?)
The School Committee will vote on this initiative for English on Feb. 29. We urge our elected representatives to maintain Standard and Honors classes while also continuing the English pilot; this would maximize choice and allow time to assess the pilot’s impact.
This letter was signed by more than 100 BHS parents and other stakeholders. Click here to see the full list of signers.