Class Selection Process

Class selection time at Forging Paths is a wonderful time when families get a chance to influence the classes that appear on the next semester's schedule. 

Class Suggestions

 Partway through each term, class suggestions are opened.  An email will be sent and posted on the forum to start considering what you might want to teach and start making class suggestions. Suggest a class by filling out the Class Description Sheet found under Class Info on the website.

We ask all families to suggest at least one class they'd like to teach the following term. This isn't a guarantee it will end up on the schedule, but a class will not end up on the schedule unless it is suggested on this form.

 This is an important step, and we like to include kids as much as possible in the brainstorming process. We ask that parents ask their kids what they would like to take, especially in our teen classes, as sometimes parents have a different idea of what would be enjoyable than the kids. Also, many of our best classes have been suggested by students. The parent decided to suggest that class on behalf of their child and learn as they planned lessons.

A deadline for class suggestions will be posted. Once the deadline closes a schedule will be put together.

Schedule Release

After the schedule is finalized, it will be uploaded to the website. We try to have all this done 2 weeks prior to the end of the term so parents can pick their teaching classes prior to the start of the next term. This keeps the fluidity of the operations for the year as a whole. Maintaining smooth transitions from term to term.

Co-op Class Scheduling Guidelines

Purpose

The purpose of the class schedule is to provide a balanced, enriching, and manageable experience for the co-op as a whole.

The Board creates the schedule with consideration for the needs of all participating families, students, teachers, and grade groups. Individual preferences are considered when possible, but the schedule cannot be built or repeatedly rearranged around the preferences of individual students.

1. Classes Are Based on Member Offerings

Classes offered during a term are primarily determined by the classes that co-op members are willing and qualified to teach.

The Board does not create a new class simply because a student or family would prefer another option.

A requested class may be considered for a future term if a member is willing to teach it and there is sufficient interest and capacity.

2. The Board Schedules for the Whole Co-op

The Board considers the overall needs of the co-op rather than scheduling each child independently.

When placing classes into periods, the Board considers:

- The needs of all four grade categories

- The number of students in each grade category

- Special educational or accessibility needs

- Teacher availability

- Teacher responsibilities outside of their own class

- Classroom availability

- Nursery responsibilities

- Teachers who assist with another class

- Teachers involved in plays, presentations, or other co-op responsibilities

- Class fees

- Academic versus extracurricular offerings

- Balance between different types of classes

- Gender-specific offerings when applicable

- Age appropriateness

- Avoiding conflicts for students who need or are expected to take particular classes

- Overall balance and functionality of the schedule

3. Desired Balance Within Each Period

Whenever reasonably possible, the Board attempts to provide each grade category with two meaningful options during each period.

When circumstances allow, the Board seeks to balance options such as:

- One class with a fee and one without a fee

- One academic option and one extracurricular/enrichment option

- Appropriate opportunities for both boys and girls

- A variety of subject areas and learning styles

This is a goal rather than an absolute requirement. The availability of teachers, rooms, student numbers, special needs, and other scheduling factors may make a perfect balance impossible.

4. Teacher Needs Are Part of the Schedule

A teacher's availability is not determined solely by when they would prefer to teach their class.

A teacher may also:

- Teach or assist in another period

- Supervise nursery

- Help with a special-needs student

- Participate in a co-op play or presentation

- Assist another teacher

- Have another required co-op responsibility

For this reason, moving one teacher's class may affect several other classes or responsibilities.

5. Classroom Availability Matters

Classes must be assigned to rooms that are appropriate for the class size, age group, activity, and equipment required.

The Board considers room availability and room conflicts when determining placement.

A class cannot simply be moved to another period if the appropriate space or resources are not available during that period.

6. Special Needs and Accommodations

The Board considers known special needs and reasonable accommodations when creating the schedule.

These needs are considered as part of the overall scheduling process rather than addressed by continually rearranging the schedule after it has been finalized.

7. Student Preferences

The Board welcomes feedback regarding class interests and preferences.

However, a student's preference does not guarantee that a particular class will be offered, placed in a particular period, or changed to accommodate that student.

Students may occasionally be asked to participate in a class that was not their first choice.

The co-op seeks to provide opportunities for students to try new subjects, develop new skills, participate with their peers, and learn to work within a group setting.

8. When the Board Will Reconsider the Schedule

Once the schedule has been finalized, it will generally remain in place for the term.

The Board may reconsider a schedule when there is a significant issue such as:

- A major scheduling conflict that was overlooked

- A significant accommodation need that was not previously known

- A teacher becoming unavailable

- A classroom or facility becoming unavailable

- A substantial enrollment change

- A safety concern

- A significant co-op-wide problem that affects the functionality of the schedule

Individual dislike or preference for a different class is not, by itself, sufficient reason to rearrange the schedule.

9. No Individualized Scheduling

The Board cannot create individualized schedules for individual students based solely on personal preference.

If the Board changes the schedule for one student because they do not like their available options, the same opportunity would reasonably need to be extended to other families.

Maintaining consistency and fairness requires the Board to apply the same scheduling principles to everyone.

10. Seven- Eight Week Commitment

Classes are offered for a limited term.

When a student is hesitant about a class, families are encouraged to allow the student to try the class before determining that it is not a good fit.

A seven-week class provides an opportunity for students to experience something new, develop relationships with peers, and discover interests they may not have initially expected.

11. Board Authority

The Board is responsible for making the final scheduling decisions.

The Board will listen to concerns and consider information brought forward by families, but the final decision must be based on the overall health, fairness, functionality, and educational value of the co-op.

The goal is not to create a schedule in which every individual gets exactly what they want.

The goal is to create a schedule that serves the greatest number of families well while remaining fair, functional, and manageable for the entire co-op.

Guiding Principle:

We listen to individual needs, but we schedule for the whole co-op.