KINGSTON — News that student tracking will be eliminated at the high school beginning with next year's freshman class has thus far been well received.

"Parents and students seem receptive to the changes," Principal Gail Sudduth said. "I think our teachers are more cautious because the change will affect them most directly. However, we have training in place now to ensure a smooth transition and to make sure teachers have the instructional support they need."

Recently parents of eighth-grade students met with curriculum director Brian Stack for an introduction to the freshman program.

"The response overall was very positive," Stack said. "A few parents were concerned about how their child might do in a more challenging math or English program, but I think we were able to allay any fears."

Stack said there was a lot of curiosity about the new freshman math program, which allows students to chose between an integrated or a traditional math program.

"The integrative program could be characterized as more hands-on," Stack said. "It's similar to the 'Everyday Math' that is being taught in some neighboring districts."

According to Stack, the teaching methodology differs for each approach. The integrative math program uses less direct instruction and more active student engagement in inquiry and investigation. In the integrative approach, teachers guide and probe students to find solutions. In traditional math instruction, teachers rely more on direct instruction, memorization and practice, with occasional grouping activities.

"By offering these options, we can accommodate different learning styles while still meeting the elevated standards now in place."

Bart Noyes, a Kingston resident and former school board member, thinks that the new administration is demonstrating leadership by taking active steps to improve academics at the high school.

"I am very impressed with the pro-active stance the principal and curriculum director have taken in trying to step things up over there," Noyes said. "The community dug deep to finance and build that new school and it is refreshing to see the administration and teachers making these educational changes. People have been wanting more out that school academically for years, and now someone is taking the bull by the horns and doing just that."

"To me, the administration and school board is saying to our kids, 'you can no longer just get by'," said Noyes. "And, the school is saying to parents and taxpayers that they are taking their responsibility seriously to deliver a world-class education to our children."

Lynn Harding, a resident of Newton, said she is cautiously supportive of the change but is worried that students who have learning challenges may fall through the cracks if tracking is eliminated.

"Having been on the school board for six years, I know that change does not come easily, so I realize you have to be open-minded," Harding said. "However, I worry about the completion rate for students who can't or won't conform to more rigorous academic standards. In a public school, we have to accommodate all students and I want to be sure that will happen."

Stack said instructional support is an integral part of the new curriculum.

"We will be offering a math support elective which is similar to a math study hall or group tutorial designed to reinforce math concepts being taught in the regular math courses," he said. "We will be piloting an after-school learning program and some enrichment courses. We also have our regular special education teachers who work with classroom teachers to accommodate students with learning disabilities or other special needs."

Sudduth said that although the new curriculum is well thought out, the details can change as the year progresses based on staff and student needs.

"We want to have a strong program in place, yet be flexible to change things if necessary," she said. "It is an exciting opportunity for everyone and we look forward to working with the new freshman class."