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Why is more space needed now when Dodgeville Elementary School was originally built to accommodate 600 students?
When DES was built in 1968 computers did not exist in schools. Today we have 79 computers housed in two computers rooms; one a converted classroom and the other taking over approximately one quarter of the library. We need that library space back to appropriately serve our students. An additional computer lab is needed but there is no space left.
Elementary students use computers very frequently for instruction, practice, and remediation in reading, math, language arts, science, keyboarding and health. Students simultaneously take Measure-ment of Academic Progress (MAP) tests online each fall, winter, and spring in order to chart their progress and for teachers to prescribe and deliver interventions that either move them up to grade level expectations if they are falling behind; or enrich, expand, and challenge students performing well beyond grade level. Teachers deliver specialized curriculum through internet web-based programming which enhances the district's established curriculum.
Additionally, most elementary classrooms contain three to five computers now-a-days plus other technology that didn't exist in 1968, all of which combined take up the space equivalent of approximately five to ten student desks. In that regard classrooms are "shrinking."
In 1968 classroom teachers taught nearly everything. Since then state regulations changed, requiring certified, licensed teachers in art, music, physical education, special education, counseling, nurses, and when needed psychologists, speech clinicians/therapists, occupational and physical therapists, teachers of vision and hearing impaired, teachers of English Language Learners, and educational interpreters. Over the years the spaces within the school building have been assigned and reassigned according to ever changing needs and circumstances. Many of the specialists share spaces such as prior storage areas, malls, and partitioned classrooms. DES presently has five special education teachers, six special education assistants, two speech & language staff, two OT/PT staff and an educational interpreter.
Three years ago the district office moved downtown in order to free up space for three more classrooms. Student enrollment continues to steadily increase over time and at this point all classrooms are full. The additional make-shift teaching areas using partitions and cabinets in the malls are no longer sufficient.