Welcome Parents and Students!

Welcome Parents and Students! Camas High School Freshman Success Academy Parent Info Night: 22 February 2011

The “Freshman Bottleneck” • Due to retentions, the freshman class in most American high schools is larger than any other grade level. “Enrollments are increasingly bunching up in grade 9… 13 percent more students were enrolled in grade 9 than in grade 8 the previous year nationwide, while the bulge can be much larger for some states.” By 10th grade, the statistics students are startling: on average, “on-time”10th grade enrollment is 24% lower than 8th grade enrollment for the same cohort of students. The School Administrator. American Association of School Administrators. “The Ninth Grade Bottleneck.” March 2005. www.aasa.org.

What to do? Researchers have identified 9th grade as the most critical point to intervene and prevent even the best students from losing motivation, failing and dropping out of school. The School Administrator. American Association of School Administrators. “Isolating Ninth Graders.” March 2002. www.aasa.org.

A Solution? What is needed… are smaller schools, more academic rigor with high expectations for all students, an infrastructure of support for students, alignment of curriculum and professional development, and an emphasis on character development. National School Boards Association, “Education leaders call for smaller, more personal, and more relevant high schools.” 27 June 2000. www.nbsa.org.

We are part of a system of supports at Camas High School

The Reasons This Program Exists: • Connection • Support • Transition • Structure • A Strong Foundation

The results: Increases in GPA (compared to 8th Grade) *On average, the 9th grade GPA decreases by comparison Increased 10th Grade HSPE pass rates (compared to MS and general population) Decreases in absenteeism and disciplinary referrals (compared to 8th Grade and general population)

The Staff • Mark Gardner, English • Sarah Widdop, English • Nita Farrell, Math • Sal Colletto, Math • Jenae Langston, Career Education • Sherry Keene, Counseling • Josh Gibson, Dean of Students

MYTH The Academy is a lower academic track. FACT Academy students are college-bound, and each year, many move on to AP/Pre-AP classes in English, history, and the sciences. Myths and Misconceptions…

MYTH Academies at the middle schools are just like the Freshman Academy, OR that if you were in the mid-Academy you must be in the Freshman Academy. FACT The two programs are separate, with different class structures, goals, and selection procedures. Myths and Misconceptions…

MYTH Students are placed into the Academy due to poor grades or bad performance. FACT This is a voluntary program for kids willing to accept help. If a student lets us know they are not interested, we offer their spot to a student who has indicated an interest. Myths and Misconceptions…

MYTH Students are in the Academy due to poor grades or bad behavior. FACT Grades are not considered when we select enrollees. Students enter with grades that cover the whole spectrum of performance. Certain behaviors (HBI) are red flags and those students are removed from our consideration. Myths and Misconceptions…

How Students are Selected for the Academy • Initial Nomination by 8th Grade Teams at Skyridge and Liberty • Criteria (any or all): • Demonstrated academic potential • The need for additional support in staying organized, completing homework… “Student Survival Skills.” • Perhaps performance/Grades do not line up with actual ability • May have skills gaps, but DO have work ethic • Might have “academic yo-yo syndrome…”

There is no “typical” Academy Student These are real kids: • Male. • Left Liberty with a 3.3 GPA. • No discipline record. • Assessed reading level: Grade 5.8. • Key to success: Work ethic and drive. • Potential obstacles: Poor organization; Rigor and demands of managing six classes in High School.

There is no “typical” Academy Student These are real kids: • Female. • Left Skyridge with a 1.0 GPA. • A few referrals for her “mouth” in 8th. • Assessed reading level: Grade 14.0. • Key to success: Creativity. • Potential obstacles: Low self-advocacy; Lacking skills to work well with teachers; Easily influenced by peers.

There is no “typical” Academy Student These are real kids: • Female. • Left Liberty with a 2.0 GPA. • Served by an IEP. • Assessed reading level: Grade 4.8. • Key to success: Asks good questions. • Potential obstacles: Low self-advocacy; Poor organization; Low reading impacts all subject areas.

There is no “typical” Academy Student These are real kids: • Male. • Left Skyridge with a 2.9 GPA. • Minor discipline issues in 8th grade. • Assessed reading level: Grade 9.2. • Key to success: Capable and organized—thrives when he feels connected. • Potential obstacles: Disengages and doesn’t do work if its not “interesting”; The “yo-yo” effect.

There is no “typical” Academy Student These are real kids: • Female. • Left Skyridge with a 3.9 GPA. • One referral for chewing gum. • Assessed reading level: Grade 10.0. • Key to success: Hard worker, has natural skills. • Potential obstacles: Doesn’t ask questions when confused; very quiet in general.

These students were all nominated because they have potential, not because they need “fixing” or “corralling.”

The Structure of the Freshman Academy • A typical student schedule (not necessarily in this order): • English 9 • Algebra I • 9th Grade Science • Elective / Early World History • Health 9 / PE • Academy Focus

Academy Focus • A blend: • Freshman Focus (required for all CHS 9th Graders) • Training in career options and research skills • Academy Study Skills and Support • One-on-one teacher time • Small group review and study • Organization and “Student Survival Skills” • Not a study hall

Academy Focus • Allows for: • Flexibility and collaboration by teachers • Greater contact with core teachers • The time for enrichment (when needed) and remediation (when needed) or just more explanation (when needed)

MYTH The Academy guarantees that my student will pass and move on to be successful. FACT We can only offer choices, support, resources… it is still up the student to do the work. The curriculum in the Academy is the SAME as in non-Academy ninth grade classes. Myths and Misconceptions…

Summary: Key Points • Class Size: • 20:1 Academy • 30:1 Non-Academy • Extra Study and Literacy Support • Same Course Curriculum as Non-Academy (Science, English, Math) • Connections

What’s Next: • Check in with a staff member before you leave to let us know whether you would like to keep your student on our list. • Students will “forecast” for Academy classes when CHS counselors visit LMS and SMS in the next few weeks. • Summer Orientation

Welcome Parents and Students!