Springville-GI Board discusses module-based instruction

SPRINGVILLE — Springville-Griffith Institute School Superintendent Paul Connelly said that he would like to see more module-based instruction at that school, but that funds and resources continue to be a challenge.

On Jan. 15, Connelly told board members that, while the district performs well and satisfies state standards, a more module-based approach is being encouraged and promoted, more and more, throughout New York state.

“There are several schools in the area that are piloting the modules,” Connelly said, adding that Springville has a couple of teachers who are now leading those ideas.

Students in a module are taught with tools and methods that are aligned with common core standards. Some modules cost as much as $1,000 each, but Connelly said that the price includes teacher materials.

The district would also have to offer module instruction throughout the students’ educational careers, or risk instructional inconsistency, according to the superintendent. “Kids would get the module training in one grade and move to the next, where it may not be offered,” Connelly said. “There’s no carry-over there and it also wouldn’t be fair to teachers.”

Connelly said that the Board of Cooperative Education Services is working with the district, to obtain funds to assist with module instruction.

In other board news:
– The board approved updates for the district’s special education program.

– Several fundraising efforts for the remaining half of the school year were approved.

– The board approved the disposal of several outdated textbooks.

– The board approved two half-day, early dismissals for June 19 and 20 at the elementary and middle schools.

– The district’s budget calendar, which can be viewed at www.springvillegi.org, was accepted.

The next S-GI Board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Feb. 12. A board retreat will be held at Julie’s Pizzeria at 6 p.m. on Feb. 5.