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‘Idea periods’ spark thoughts at RULH |
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Written by Steve Triplett
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Friday, 30 April 2010 |
 From left, Scott Gilstrap, Cameron Cully and Jordan Meyer give a presentation on the RULHJROTC’s accomplishments at the Eagle Battalion Raider Challenge at Morehead State University.
“This year would cost us $10,000 minimum the way we’re currently doing the tutoring system,” Birkholtz said. “We have to change some things.”
Angela Gray, advisory and intervention schedule chair, has been working on a new scheduling system for the RULH High School that would give students ample time to work on specific problem areas, like Algebra 1, which is a requirement for incoming ninth grade students. The new schedule would create four periods with an idea period each day. Gray said by only taking four classes a semester, students would be able to earn eight credits a year, which would also go a long way to lowering the number of credit deficient students in the district.
A student who fails an algebra class would be able to take that course again the following semester, keeping them on track to graduate. Conversely, students who are performing well in the classes can earn credits faster, and then possibly participate in college level classes before they graduate.
The idea period can be used to work on core courses or areas of concern, or can also be used as a structured study hall.
“Structured study hall is not like a study hall like most of us are thinking,” Gray said. “It’s a study hall where if students are getting a C, D, or F will be tutored or mentored.”
During structured study halls, students who are performing well in their classes and receiving A or B grades can participate in “reward” enrichment classes like yoga or art classes to help inspire those students who are struggling to do better in class. Enrichment classes are taught by the RULH High School faculty.
Within the algebra classes, students would move fluidly between each of their math teachers, after being evaluated every four weeks. The rotating teacher schedule will allow students who are having difficulty learning a concept to spend more time on the subject and students who pick up the course faster to move on to the next topic.
Birkholtz said that while the system may slow down the learning process for some students, it is essential to get as many students to pass algebra classes as possible. In order to take algebra 2, students need to pass an entrance exam.
“If you do not pass algebra 2 during your four year career you will be ineligible to go to a college in the state of Ohio,” Birkholtz said.
To further inspire students to do well in school, Gray said the committee wanted to get a deeper academic connection with the students by assigning about 17 students to a teacher. That teacher will then follow those students and advise them throughout their four years in high school.
Additionally, Gray said the English Department is working on a school-wide reading program. The program has not been finalized at this time.
The scheduling system is still under development, and should be ready for the next school year.
In other business:
• Scott Gilstrap, Cameron Gully and Jordan Meyer gave a presentation to the RULH Board of Education about the JROTC program’s recent victory in the Eagle Battalion Raider Challenge. The Ripley JROTC program came in first place in the day long competition, and participated in events like an obstacle course, a one rope bridge, color guard, squad drill, urban orienteering, tug of war, and more.
• The RULH DECA team participated in the Ohio DECA Quiz Bowl with a team consisting of John Kessel, Will Jones, Amanda McClain, Katie McClain, and Katie White. According to DECA advisor Angie Dee, the RULH team came in second place to last year’s champions this year. Additionally, Amanda McClain will go on to compete at the international DECA conference in Lousiville, KY. |
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Last Updated ( Monday, 30 August 2010 )
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