Sam Sussman 2. Ideally, the curriculum should be individualized. Middle schools should be the beginning of an applied learning curriculum where the classroom is related to real-life working situations; the block system is a start. Basic and accelerated courses should play a part in an integrated learning environment. The middle-school experience is a life-cycle change for the students. Kids become young adults. Interesting and motivating course experiences are critical to their future development. Return to Question List

Sam Sussman 3. Only on a voluntary basis. Students (and parents) may choose to go to school in the summer for a course or a whole semester, for advanced study and/or early graduation. Air conditioning a few buildings to meet specific demands makes better sense than disrupting the entire system. Return to Question List

Sam Sussman 4. The first thing I would work to eliminate is that question. We need to add quality and services, not eliminate them. With a collaborative community effort (business, government, school administration, teachers and students) the system can be mobilized to meet the needs of our kids. It's time we simply look at our resources to see how they add up. Return to Question List