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Winnacunnet High School English Classes to Mix All Ability Levels

From Seacoast Online

Published December 2, 2014

By Patrick Cronin

Starting in the 2015-16 school year, students in freshman English classes at Winnacunnet High School will no longer be separated into different proficiency levels such as basic or honors.

The School Board recently voted unanimously to end leveling and to adopt a “heterogeneous” approach for all Grade 9 English classes. This means students of all ability levels will be mixed together.

“We believe it gives all Winnacunnet students a common academic experience and forces a unifying culture within Winnacunnet High School,” Principal Bill McGowan told the School Board at its Nov. 18 meeting.

The vote comes on the recommendation of staff, administrators, and input from various sending schools, as well as three community forums held over the last six months.

McGowan said the change is based on a recommendation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, a best practice from the New England Secondary School Consortium, League of Innovative Schools and aligns to Common Core standards.

Read more at Seacoast Online →

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