Gilford & Gilmanton School Boards hear about English curriculum

Meeting for their first time in the new Gilford Middle School Media Center, the Gilford School Board joined the Gilmanton School Board in listening to a presentation by Gilford High School English Department Head Scott Hutchison on how the school's curriculum was being fitted to the state's frameworks.

Admitting to being disappointed that Gilford's tenth-grade students did not perform on the NHEIAP tests as well as he believes they're capable, Hutchison indicated that changes are being made to make the testing environment more conducive to success. In addition, he told the board that the faculty and staff are being encouraged to impart to students the importance of the tests, rather than regarding them dismissively.

Hutchison did note that in a number of areas Gilford students performed better than the state average, and that even though certain aspects of the NHEIAPs are being eliminated due to budget cuts imposed by Governor Benson, the English department would continue to build its curriculum around the state's frameworks, including those areas eliminated from testing.

When asked by Gilford board member Kevin Hayes if efforts to align the school's curriculum with the state's frameworks continued beyond the tenth-grade — the final grade in which students will be tested — Hutchison answered in the affirmative. "We're focusing through grade 12," he said, reassuring the board that there was no effort to merely teach to the tests.