Wellesley High School - Wellesleyan Yearbook (Wellesley, MA)

Page 11 text:

A member of the Faculty Senate, Mr. Mazukina, discussed the situation avidly with Rob¬ ert O’Donnell from NEASC. Members of the accreditation committee responded to student questions. Although, incurring bitter, last-minute resistance from some townspeople, the reor¬ ganization proposal of Superintendent Rich¬ ard Goodman was approved unanimously by the School Committee. The action opened the possibility of combining both re-organization and modest renovation plans to meet the High School’s needs. Although isolated from the turbulent mainstream of world affairs, Wellesley pos¬ sessed only a surface calm. The accreditation dispute forced the townspeople to confront the inequities of past years. Wellesley could not escape the changes of the 1970 ' s. Lack of space in library limited student study opportunities. 7

Page 10 text:

Visiting Accreditation Committee Cited Lack of Facilities in Non-Academic Areas Reaction to the association’s decision ranged from outrage to apathy. Many adult residents who didn’t have school age children were more concerned about higher property taxes to finance an addition than about the actual plight of the school. Others were shocked by the realization that one of the most affluent communities in the state pos¬ sessed an inadequate high school. Most peo¬ ple admitted that something had to be done to forestall the possible probation of the Wellesley High School, but were undecided on an effective course of action. The accreditation dispute was linked with the more fundamental controversy over the reorganization of the town’s elementary school system. The projected decline in popu¬ lation led many to speculate on the possible consolidation of primary schools and use of Kingsbury school as an additional part of the high school. Mr. Rokicki worked diligently for 3 Vi years on the two building projects. School Committee chairman Stephen Porter confronted the angered populace. Accreditation board explained their role to the townspeople as they investigated the senior high school facilities during the month of November. 6

Page 12 text:

A Trend Appeared Nationally in Education: Back to Basics in the Classroom A. standardized aptitude test scores declined once again in 19 4-1975 and compe- tition for college entry and employment increased due to recession and inflation, the trend in education was toward basic studies. In Wellesley it was reflected in increased enrollment for fundamental reading and basic Knglish skills courses. The blame for the recent nationwide drop in PSAT and SAT scores and for the alarming number of fresh¬ man college students unable to communicate their thoughts in writing was placed on prog¬ ressive high ■ichools, where secondary educa¬ tors stressed relevant subjects and compro¬ mised basics like Knglish composition, math, and reading comprehension. Some educators, however, questioned the ability of standard¬ ized tests to measure the education imparted by these modernized schools. Wendy Brown listened attentively in math. Richard Stevens concentrated on his project in industrial arts. Louise Hurwitz found a quiet corner in the peri¬ odical room of the library. Rhonda Farina studiously prepared her biology project. 8