PROPOSAL FOR A MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY PROGRAMNAVAL AVENUE EARLY LEARNING CENTERBREMERTON SCHOOL DISTRICTFebruary 2010

Introduction:Bremerton School District, specifically, Naval Avenue Early Learning Center, is anexample of innovative educational programs. A Montessori elementary program wouldbe in keeping with the school district’s tradition of progressive educational offerings.This proposal is a request by Advantage Montessori Preschool/Kindergarten, itsteachers and families and other interested families from within the Bremerton PublicSchool District requesting the inclusion of a Montessori 1-3

grade classroom at NavalAvenue Learning Center beginning in the fall of 2010. This program would work inharmony with the existing programs at Naval Avenue and offer a choice to communitymembers who have indicated strong support for a Montessori Early ElementaryProgram.Educational Program:The Montessori Program will utilize the Montessori curriculum to help students achievestate and district educational standards. (See attached Montessori Curriculum). TheMontessori Program is a model that has demonstrated a high level of success withstudents at the elementary level. Research shows that children from varioussocioeconomic levels can benefit academically from an education in the Montessorienvironment, which includes a high degree of independent activities, as well asteacher-directed activities that foster a child’s desire to learn. The program integratesthe arts, sciences, geography, history and language arts as well as a mathematicscurriculum that uses unique manipulative materials to promote the internalizing ofconcepts. It requires Montessori-specific materials and specially trained teachers. Anintegral part of the program is peace education and conflict resolution.Prior to use, the Montessori curriculum shall be reviewed by the Instructional Counciland recommended to the Board for approval in accordance with the process outlinedin Policy 2020. Students in the Montessori program will participate in all district andstate assessments.Time Line and Limitations on Future Commitment:In Year One (2010-2011) we propose a single classroom serving a total of twenty-five6-9 year olds (1

– 3

grades). Depending on the success of the program, availablespace and curriculum, a second classroom may be added the following year (2011-2012).The parties making this proposal understand that the Montessori Early ElementaryProgram will be a District program subject to unilateral change or termination. Theproposal is not a contract between the District and any other party. If the District wereto implement the program, the District would not be making any legally-enforceablepromises about how it will set up the program, or run the program in the future.Existing circumstances could change (e.g., state funding, federal educationalstandards, educational philosophy of the board members or the staff in the District),and the District is not precluded from making a different decision about this program in

the future (e.g., minimum number of students enrolled to be a viable program,curriculum choices, etc.).Montessori Advisory Team (MAT)We propose the establishment of a voluntary advisory team to guide and support thedevelopment of this program. It will consist of the Head of Special Programs for NavalAvenue, the Principal of Naval Avenue, an experienced Montessori professional toserve as Program Consultant and the current Montessori Preschool teacher of theAdvantage Montessori Program already housed in the school. Other Montessoriteachers and parents (3 total) may be invited to be on the advisory team.Montessori Educator:The teacher for the Montessori Elementary Program will be hired by the BremertonSchool District in accordance with existing hiring procedures. This teacher mustpossess the appropriate Washington State professional educational certification, meetthe State’s “highly qualified” standards, and have a Montessori Early Elementary (6-9yr. old) teaching credential from an accredited AMS or AMI training center. At least twoyears’ teaching experience (preferably in a Montessori elementary classroom) ispreferred. If the candidate is in the process of attaining Montessori Certification and iswilling and able to do a self-directed internship, the teacher must be willing to workwith a Montessori consultant on an ongoing basis and will be required to attendprofessional development classes and Montessori-sponsored workshops, as offered.The selected teacher will be subject to evaluation, reassignment, discharge andnonrenewal under the same statutory and contractual procedures applicable to otherteachers.Funding:Classroom & Teacher: Classroom space at Naval Avenue Early LearningCenter and compensation for teaching, specialist and administrative staffserving the Montessori Elementary Program will be provided by the District’sGeneral Fund. Staff will be compensated in accordance with existing salaryschedules and collective bargaining agreements.Materials: A full complement of Montessori early elementary materials,including teacher-made materials to support the program and a full set ofclassroom furnishings (cubbies, tables, chairs, and shelving) may beleased/purchased from Anne Lahey, owner of Advantage Montessori School,over a three-year period at a total cost of $15,000. The materials andfurnishings offered for lease/purchase have been gently used for 4 years.Estimated cost of purchasing these materials new (inventoried on attachmentB) is $25,000+. A separate lease/purchase agreement will be negotiated withan annual cost no greater than $5,000 for three years, terminable by the Districtat the end of each year with no penalty.Additional funding: The cost of lease/purchase of materials, programenrichment, and professional development (total program costs estimated at$10,000 to $17,000 per year) will be covered by voluntary parent fundraisingleading to a classroom grant through the Naval Avenue ASB, Naval AvenuePTA or Bremerton Schools Foundation.