----- Original Message ----- From: Esther Revivo - estherrv@xxxxxxxxxxx Subject: Literature Module for weak 4 pointers Nira Artzy, thank you for bringing up the issue of weak 4 pointers. As I now work only 1/3 misra, I hadn't paid close attention and had no idea that there is no pilot for 4 pointers! All the issues you raised are the same for many areas in Israel (i.e. Development towns north and south, where parents lack the finances to fund private lessons.) For years my weakest girls passed the 4 pt. exam with blood, sweat and tears! As you pointed out, these pupils' writing skills are wanting, at best, and failing the E module, squeak by thanks to their C, D and oral exam scores. How they will ever be able to write a log? I must mention that I am a great lover of the projects despite the tremendous work involved, and ADORE teaching literature as well!!!! However, the issues Nira raised are worrisome! To summarize: A- Four hours a week is not enough for our present work load; when are we ever going to manage this new literature business in weak classes where teaching everything takes twice the time as in 5 pt. classes? B- Lack of adequate writing skills will probably endanger the weak four pointers' ability to achieve the 4 pt. bagrut, and we all know that the 3 point exam is only worth the paper it is printed on. No post high school studies are an option for such pupils. C-People have mentioned the lack of clarity about monetary recompense. This is even more problematic when pupils who can barely write compositions are involved. I would be extremely grateful if Sharon Tzur or any of the other teachers involved in the pilot who also teach/ have taught weak four pointers would be willing to address our concerns! I am NOT complaining about the change as long as neither our weakest pupils, our salaries, nor our sanity will be at stake! :) The saying "overworked and undernourished" should be revamped to "overworked and unappreciated!" Esther Revivo Ulpanat Tzvia Sedot Negev P.S. Many thanks to the colleague who posted the site of "Daily Writing Tips" ; I have subscribed and learned a great deal. Folks, you might want to sign up for a week and see what I mean: info@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ----------------------------------------------- ** Etni homepage - http://www.etni.org or - http://www.etni.org.il ** ** for help - ask@xxxxxxxx ** ** to post to this list - etni@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ** -----------------------------------------------