In a process that’s rather unique to Albert Lea, elementary teachers met with parents and students Monday and Tuesday.

Wednesday, September 01, 1999

In a process that’s rather unique to Albert Lea, elementary teachers met with parents and students Monday and Tuesday.

The before-the-school-year interviews give parents a chance to tell teachers what their needs are and how much progression they would like to see in their children by the end of the school year, said Lakeview Elementary School Principal David Paschka.

Unlike other districts where parents don’t meet teachers until well into the school year, Albert Lea parents get to know teachers before classes start.

Students benefit by knowing where their classrooms are and their teachers before classes start – today.

&uot;Right at the front (of the year) they know where they’re going,&uot; Paschka said. &uot;The interview sessions we have are ideal. They’re probably the best thing we’ve done in the district.&uot;

He said the interviews are a way of involving the community in the education process; it’s something that district administrators and teachers continue to stress.

For teachers, the interviews provide greater insight into the individual needs of each student. Many parents of students with differing needs also sign plans that detail the needs and different learning methods; they work with the teachers to meet these needs.

&uot;Each child learns in different ways,&uot; the principal explained. &uot;The teachers listen. They don’t talk.&uot;

While the accommodation plans are now limited to students with special needs – but not special education – Paschka said the district eventually plans to extend the individual plans to each student. With Lakeview’s enrollment at about 500, 140 students now have these plans.

&uot;This is not unique to Lakeview,&uot; he added. &uot;It’s been a great deal for us.&uot;