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RB’s class of 2014 was the first full class that was a part of the executive functioning program. This program, which is designed to help students use planning and study skills, includes a color coded notebook system and a planner. The planners were given to students on the first day of school. Having used the planner freshman year, I find it very helpful. However, I think last year’s planner had a much better design.
Last year’s planner had lined columns for each day of the week for writing homework assignments. However, this year’s has divided the each day into sections for English, Math, Science, social Studies, and two fill-it-in-yourself boxes. I don’t like this system because I find it easier to write assignments down in order by period. It’s less confusing, and it makes it easier to see what I have to do. Essentially, I just end up ignoring the sections and writing my assignments in order.
Another problem is that there are only six sections, but seven periods in the day. Even though most people have a period for gym or study hall, they might still have assignments, or just things to remember, like “bring socks for gym!” Apparently the design was changed from last year because students didn’t like having to write in each class. I can see how that could be annoying, but I don’t think writing in the subjects is the best way to fix it.
Also, in the old planner, for each week they would have a fun fact, such as “The word ‘lethologica’ describes the state of not being able to remember the word you want,” and little cartoons. While they weren’t exactly useful, they were fun and interesting. However, this year they have replaced those with word definitions of “nice” words. All these words are based on character counts and the six pillars. While that may seem like a good idea, the monotony of words like “generosity,” “equity,” “goodness,” and “civility” make me think of a subliminal mind control plot.
There are some good things about the new planners such as the student handbook in the front, but overall I find it harder and less interesting to use. Christine Sutton, the staff member most involved in executive functioning, thinks that these planners are better than last year’s, with room for improvement, but she also said that any student with comments or suggestions about the planner should talk to her. I have. I suggest other students do as well.
Sandra • Oct 16, 2011 at 7:36 pm
The brand new student planners that Rb has distributed are easier to use, slightly bigger and much more sensible.
It is to the best of my knowledge that the planners are designed to keep busy students organized and informed. Sure the new layout seems to only have 6 boxes to fill in for school (when we have 7 periods), but in case you havent noticed, there is actualy space around and outside the boxes. It doesn’t take much work to simply add an assignment to the side of your page. According to your articles photo, the subject had written outside of the box! There is so much empty and extra space in the notebook specially made to help the student add on some notes, comments and even assignments! What difference does a box make?
According to the article Bad plan for planners, By Kate Alaks. The author states ”This year they have replaced those with word definitions of “nice” words. All these words are based on character counts and the six pillars. While that may seem like a good idea, the monotony of words like “generosity,” “equity,” “goodness,” and “civility” make me think of a subliminal mind control plot.” I think that the authors’ “conspiracy” assumption is simply unjustifiable. May I ask, what is so wrong about the words equity, goodness, and civility? And yes, these words are very much so associated with the pillars of character, which by the way, promotes Respect and acceptance, in other words, character. Whether it be encrypted “subliminally” or apparently on a school planner, the ultimate goal of rb is not to brain wash us, it’s to promote acceptance. Are you saying that you’re now against acceptance?
Finally, an argument that stuck out to me was the fact that this new assignment notebook has made it harder to write down assignments simply due to the fact that hey aren’t written in the order of our classes through out the day. You are in high school, you if you think that the 6 boxes (which are, by the way out of order) is truly difficult, then simply do not use the assignment notebook.
The new student planner that RB has distributed is not only smaller and compact, it makes it easier for students to write down what they need to, the notebook provided spaces above and along the page, if that’s too difficult for you then maybe you shouldn’t invest in an RB assignment notebook.