March 1, 2016 Briefing on Meeting between Save Our Challenge, District and NSEA

School Board Directors,

Thank you for asking to be provided with a briefing for the meeting on March 1, 2016 between Save Our Challenge, NSEA representatives and the district. Below is our recap of that meeting and a summary of what common ground we found with others at the table. Please feel free to let us know if you have any questions or need further information.
-Save Our Challenge

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On March 1, 2016 members of Save our Challenge, NSD administrators, NSEA president and 2 union representatives (Junior High Teachers) met to discuss the Save Our Challenge Proposal and the grade reconfiguration academic plan.

Save Our Challenge presented slides (below) summarizing our Recommendations and Rationale Proposal to the School Board. The NSEA and its teachers shared anecdotes and thoughts related to teaching Junior High students.

Based on this discussion we believe these points are common to both groups and are statements on which Save Our Challenge and the NSEA can agree:

1. We should work to increase underrepresented populations in Challenge. 
2. The NSD HiCap student population is bigger than the 5-6% served in the AAP program.
3. Having vastly differing ability levels in the same room is frustrating for all.
4. HiCap students aren't good role models for struggling learners.
5. Schools are underfunded. Teachers need more resources of space, staffing, and time to enable smaller class sizes and extra support in some classrooms. 
6. Students, especially those from underrepresented populations,  need direct intervention and encouragement, to prepare them for challenge classes.

With these as starting points, we hope all parties can work together to help the School Board make a decision on the Middle School Academic plan that works for ALL students.