District 219 is proposing a new detracked model of education for incoming Freshman English classes. The detracked model proposes to place all levels of learners into one classroom instead of the current tracked model that places students into levels based on academic ability and provides for a more focused instructional experience and intervention. Moreover, D219 is attempting to implement this new model in an expedited manner and without eliciting feedback from the community beforehand. They introduced detracking at a special board of education meeting held on 4.27.21 where it was presented to the board of education and the community at 11:15pm.

We are a group of concerned parents, community members and taxpayers who are responding to the proposed new model of detracking Freshman English classes. We believe that equity within D219 should focus on providing the best possible educational experience to every level of learner. Detracking is being proposed in an attempt to address racial inequity within the D219 system. However, this approach is a conflated and misguided attempt to solve a complex societal issue and D219 has not provided any empirical proof to support the benefits of detracking.

Please consider signing this petition to challenge the evasive process D219 has used to push through a significant and consequential change to curricular practice. In addition, we encourage you to call and email the following list of D219 leaders to make your voice heard prior to the board of education meeting on 5.04.21 when they will decide whether to approve/endorse this plan.

     Dr. Sandra Arreguin (assistant superintendent of curriculum):  sanarr@d219.org

     Dr. Karen Ritter (principal at NW):  karrit@d219.org

     219 Board of Education:  board@d219.org

     Dr. Michael Kucera (director or English at NW): mickuc@d219.org  (phone) 847- 626-2615

1)     D219 needs to positively and proactively engage the learning community of parents, teachers and students to glean feedback about such an impactful curriculum change that will directly affect all incoming freshman.

2)     D219 needs to explain why they chose to introduce this significant proposal at a special board meeting held on a weeknight at 11:15 pm, which is not a reasonable timeframe to conduct public business. The timing of this meeting was a barrier for attendance for most working community members.

3)     D219 needs to explain why they do not hold their meetings in a more transparent manner allowing for live public comment over Zoom during the “Public Comment” portion of their agenda. Additionally, please explain why a stipulation was placed on emailed comments requiring them to be received between the narrow window of 6:30 to 7:30 pm on 4.27.21. These many barriers result in the suppression of valuable feedback from the taxpayers and voters who put these elected officials in leadership.

4)     D219 needs to provide empirical data from reputable evidence-based sources when presenting rationale for such a significant curriculum change. Empirical data should demonstrate evidence for how the curriculum change will support the educational goals of ALL LEVELS of learners.

5)     D219 needs to provide expert advice that provides the pros and cons of such a curriculum change so that community members can be well informed of all sides of the issue. Specifically, they need to explain how removing the opportunity for accelerated learners to earn a 4.5 credit as opposed to a 4.0 credit for an A grade will not negatively affect their GPA and chances for acceptance to competitive universities.

6)     D219 needs to explain how the teachers will effectively split their time and attention amongst such a diverse set of learning levels all in one classroom. What is the training that they will receive over the summer to help prepare them for this task at the high school level?

7)     The district needs to provide evidence-based research that the detracked learning modality will positively impact the social/emotional growth of all students at every level of learning.

8)     When compared on a global scale, are the countries with educational systems that produce the highest achieving learners also utilizing detracking as their academic model of choice?

9)     Is this detracked model for freshman English a precursor for detracking other subject matters in the future?

As engaged community members and taxpayers, we expect to receive responses to all these points before D219 board and administration moves forward with the detracking model which appears to be enacted in a rushed and evasive manner. This is a critically important endeavor that directly affects the children in our community. Please give it the time, care, and adherence to best practice that it deserves.