Teaching Critical Thinking

The Scripps Ranch Schools Committee met in November. A video by Sir Ken Robinson was shared entitled Changing Education Paradigms. The video can be found at [www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U]. Each principal from our six public schools talked about his or her school and how their teachers and staff approach critical thinking and questioning.

School Budgets

The San Diego Unified School District is working with something called "X-Factor." Our area superintendent, David Lorden, explained that the district supplies schools with a principal and teachers. X-Factor is a formula that determines how much money each school is allotted for supplies and hourly and classified employees. The district pays the custodial costs, which are not included in the X-Factor formula.

Small schools need more X-Factor to keep their doors open. In 2010-2011 the X-Factor was $74 million. In 2011-2012 it will be $60-$70 million. The X-Factor formula has been revised to make distribution of money more equitable across all schools. As of press time, the X-Factor Committee recommendations were scheduled to go before the school board in mid-December.

Year-Round Schools

The always challenging question about the year-round calendar--such as at Jerabek Elementary School--was discussed. The district believes that after initial money is spent to convert year-round schools to a traditional calendar, the district would see an annual savings. More information is needed about what the process is to change the calendar and whether the school board is inclined to pay to convert the remaining year-round schools in the district.

Next Meeting

The SRSC meets on the third Wednesday of each month during the school year at 4:30 pm in the Scripps Ranch Library's seminar room. The next meeting is on Wednesday, Jan. 18. All meetings are open to the public. For questions, please contact co-chair Lorelle Mudd at [ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ].

Bob Ilko, SRCA President/SRSC Member