Syllabus Implementation 2006-2007

Preamble:

The implementation of the Shumka syllabus into the existing program(s) of Selkirk and District Ukrainian Dance School is sure to be a rewarding experience as well as an undertaking that will provide new challenges to both the instructors and executive. It is recognized that the syllabus is and can be a valuable tool in the instruction of our students. However, the syllabus is just that, a tool, it is not meant to be the only channel that our instructors follow. S & D  identifies the need for instructors to exercise a degree of independent judgement and artistic direction in their classes.

The entire syllabus is made up of Tier 1 to Tier 3 containing a total of 9 levels of achievement. S&D is officially implementing only the first Tier (level 1-3) as a first phase.

Identifiable Implementation Challenges:

Question:  What will be the criteria for student placement?

S&D ‘s first priority will be to place all students within their particular age range. Each age range should be limited to a 3 year gap, e.g. – ages 8-9-10. A secondary component that requires consideration is the ability of the student.

Every effort will be given to have new students to S&D also placed within their appropriate age category. However, students with no prior dance experience will face a challenge to perform at the same level as their experienced classmates; this will be more evident with the higher age classes. These new students will be on a temporary 4-6 week probation to evaluate whether they should continue at their age level. The board will rely upon the assessment of the instructors involved to determine if these probationary dancers should stay in that class. If required, it would be expected and encouraged for these students to partake in some form of private tutoring to help accelerate their development to the standard of the class.
  

Question: What happens when a student does not meet the criteria to move to the next level?

The student may be required to stay in the same class/level. By implementing age ranges, students may not necessarily remain in the exact same class grouping throughout their “student career” at S&D but move by both age and ability. The school recognizes that the syllabus will be challenging to the students. It is not expected that the majority of students will easily pass through to the next level on a yearly basis. It would not be unexpected for a student to require 2 years to totally complete a level and in no way would this imply that the student was not making progress.

Question:  How are students being assessed and is the process fair?

S&D will continue to support and develop our instructors to maintain an excellent working knowledge of the syllabus, thus providing the expertise to assess. Each level in the syllabus has specific criteria to provide the instructor with a guideline in assessing whether the student has developed/achieved the tools to move on to the next level. S&D will develop an assessment tool that will help chart each student’s progress over the course of the year. S&D does not expect to be inflexible in moving those students who have mastered the majority of a level’s content but have a few components that still require development. Also, the instructor must always consider the age factor to avoid keeping a student in an inappropriate age group.  

Question:  How will the syllabus be introduced to existing classes?

The beginner classes are to follow the program as designed and will continue to do so as they progress through the program. For existing older dancers, there is a need to reestablish some of the early fundamental dance basics to further build upon a strong foundation. Based upon instructor evaluation of the individual classes, in conjunction with both the school’s and instructor’ objectives for the year, components of the syllabus will be introduced on a timeline developed by the instructors of that class. Each class will have an objective as to expectations in syllabus development for the year. Classes may actually find themselves working in half levels, e.g. – perhaps for an existing intermediate group, the expectation will be to complete level 2 and try to implement some components of level 3. It is accepted that a majority of the senior and Fialka classes should have already accomplished a significant portion of the basic skills of level 3. This year should address refining those level 3 skills to provide the base to implement the second Tier to S&D next year (levels 4-5-6). 

Closing notes:  It is expected that the introduction of the syllabus will demand a learning curve for all involved. To keep the process moving in a positive, forward direction, it will be imperative to ensure the lines of communication are open and functional.  There is a requirement of a board member or designate who will have the management responsibility of syllabus implementation. That person will need to attend and observe each dance class at various points throughout the year. Feedback to the instructors should occur with these visits. It is also recommended that the instructors meet twice a year (late Oct / early Nov and late Feb / early Mar) to discuss and compare their successes and obstacles in teaching with the syllabus.

The following are the proposed ages associated with the various levels. Keep in mind that these groupings are ideally intended for the novice dancer starting and continuing through the syllabus program. There are many variables that have yet to be determined and the goal is to one day have our dancers graduating with a level 9 certificate. The Shumka syllabus is an intense and demanding program and S&D should be aware that the higher levels (levels 7-8-9) will not be achieved in the near future.

Level                                      Age

Level 1                                     5-6-7
Level 2                                     8-9-10
Level 3                                     10-11-12
Level 4                                     12-13-14
Level 5                                     13-14-15
Level 6                                     14-15-16
Level 7                                     15-16-17        
Level 8                                     16-17-18
Level 9                                     17-18