Deer Creek Elementary School Parents Say NO to SEL, DCES Says YES

Last June, Kay Genschorck Director of Instructional Services, presented to the Platte Canyon School District Board of Education (PCSDBOE) the results of a survey sent to all parents of Deer Creek Elementary School (DCES) and Fitzsimmons Middle School (FMS) asking many questions about the social and emotional learning (SEL) being taught at the schools. There were multiple questions to the survey and the end result was that 67% of parents and students answering the survey did NOT want to continue the SEL instruction. During that meeting Ms. Genschorck stated that the SEL instruction would no longer be taught at either school.

On August 14,2023 DCES announced the launching of an experimental, undeveloped, non-curriculum driven 5 C's for Success program.

The above flyer reads very much like SEL curriculum and with a quick Google search there are two SEL programs using the 5 C's concept see here http://exploresel.gse.harvard.edu/frameworks/52 and here https://y4y.ed.gov/tools/the-5cs-of-positive-youth-development .

A PACE parent contacted Ms. Genschorck to inquire about being able to view the teaching materials, the standards that would be covered and any studies that would show that there would be measurable benchmarks for students.

This was the reply: " I am including the outline for the 5 C’s of Success that has been drafted by Mrs. Christenson (sic) at Deer Creek. As this is supplemental, there are no linking studies, lesson plans, or scope and sequence available. This is not intended to be a standalone course of study and will not be evaluated as such. The outline does include the 5 areas of focus (5 C’s) as well as 2-3 specific skills that may be practiced during the school year. Standards, when available, have been connected to the areas of focus as well as she has provided a list of potential books that may be read partially or in whole to support the skill. All activities will be directly related to the school environment and developing skills that support a successful school experience."

This is the outline:

Just a bit of background about standards, Colorado has an extensive list of standards for all kinds of subjects such as dance, theater, computer science, SEL and all academics.

Another concerned parent asked this of Ms. Christensen: "Do you have a link that provides more information on this program?" Here is the response from Ms. Christensen: "Thank you for your email. This program is being developed as the year evolves. There's no outside link, as this isn't a curriculum...."

These responses created more questions than answers, so the PACE parent posed several more questions, these are a few examples, Ms. Genschorck's answers are in red:

Which specific standard is this being linked to? Please use the following link to read the Comprehensive Health Standards that relate to this, https://www.cde.state.co.us/cohealth/statestandards * *this standard has 7 standards within it; the specific standard has been requested.

What subject is this a supplement to? This is supplemental support to the overall classroom culture and expectations. School social workers are hired by school districts to enhance the district's ability to meet its academic mission and provide positive behavioral support, academic support, and classroom support.

What benchmarks will be used to determine the success or failure of this program? Teachers and administrators will determine if this supplemental support is valuable as they do with all other supplemental materials or supports.

Would this be considered "first and best instruction"? Non-Responsive

What teaching license does Ms. Christensen possess to instruct a class? Mrs. Christenson (sic) is a licensed school social worker.

In a later DCES meeting the same PACE parent was able to pose a few questions in relation to the 5C's program to a staff member and administrator of DCES. During this meeting it was revealed that the 5C's is SEL, it is experimental and undeveloped programming, and it was expressed that the concealment of the basis of this program was the result of all of the negative responses to the previous SEL program.

So, if you are a DCES parent questioning this curriculum you have an opt-out opportunity. Send your opt out to mchristensen@pcsdk12.org.