Scheduling, Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

Can anyone give some insight as to either the success or lack of success in implementing more stringent athletic/extracurricular academic eligibility policies? (fyi--we recently went from a policy where students had to pass at least 5 (out of 6) classes where at least 3 of the grades had to be a "C".....and now it is stated that you have to pass all 6 classes, with the same requirement for "C"s) Feel free to comment on any aspect of this.

We're attempting to revise our M.S. Health curriculum to ensure a broad "Life Skills" focus, offering different health-related classes all three grades, with a clear progression, or distinction, between topics of study from grade-to-grade. If anyone has done something similar, I would love to see your course outlines or curricula maps.

Has anyone with a trimester schedule done any study of student achievement before vs. after the change?

We are contemplating the use of EXPLORE for our 9th graders. Have any of you used it? Is it appropriate? Is the data gained useful?

Do you assess an activity fee for participation in school clubs? If so, what is the fee? Is it assessed per club or annually?

I have a teacher who is really struggling with classroom management issues. As part of his Individual Development Plan, I need to point him in the direction of training and/or resources to support his growth in this area. I am hoping for some solid suggestions.

Thanks!

EXPLORE testing in...
Spring of 7th grade,
Fall of 8th grade,
Spring of 8th grade,
Fall of 9th grade, or
Spring of 9th grade?

Does anyone have an effective, working system to organize grade-level meetings at the M.S. or H.S. level, wherein teachers teach more than one grade level? If so can you describe it, or can I call you?

Is there a public school district that has implemented RtI successfully at the secondary level? If so, would you be open to hosting a visit from our district to discuss what is working well? Thanks!!

I am looking for well qualified training for my 6th grade and 7th grade teachers for the Connected Math series. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

We are looking to revamp our after-school homework club. We have tried both mandatory attendance based on teacher/parent placement and voluntary attendance. Does anyone have a program in place that they have found to be successful? Could you please provide the details and any forms you may use. Thank you so much!

Hello,

We, at Manchester High School, are on a traditional 7 hour day and are looking to see if we can get more time for our students to work on their Advanced Placement courses, particulary English Literature and Calculus.

I was wondering if anyone on a 6 or 7 hour day double schedules their AP courses? Or anything different/innovative to get those students more time in AP?

Thanks.

I am currently working with a company to develop and pilot a new program for teachers that would allow them to utilize student cell phones to aid in instruction. Our program would primarily use the phone's text messaging feature. Some functions of the program would include student surveys, quizzes and tests, real-time brainstorming, and picture and video galleries. It would be web-based so schools would simply pay a subscription fee and get a log-in. We are thinking about purchasing some pay-as-you-go cell phones for students to use who do not have text messaging service on their phones.

What do you see as the pros and cons of a program like this? I'm curious to get your feedback.

Does anyone currently operate and have success with a "school within a school" model specifically for the 9th grade population? If so, I would like to possibly arrange a visit to your school.

Thank you,
Scott Kapla
skapla@scslakeview-k12.com
Lakeview High School

Students took the 3 WorkKeys components needed to qualify for a National Career Readiness Certificate as part of the MME. The results of those tests are now available. OEAA has provided schools with a 6 page PDF of instructions telling students how to log in and register so that they can receive a copy of their certificate, but we would like to send a cover letter to students and parents along with that PDF. Does anyone have a copy of such a letter that they would be willing to share?

Good morning,
I am looking for data that supports implementing the EXPLORE test in 8th/9th grade and the PLAN test in 10th grade. If possible, I am also looking at the cost of the two programs as it relates to their actual impact on ACT test scores.

Thank you,
Scott Kapla
Lakeview High School
skapla@scslakeview-k12.com

I am in the process of putting together information to add a course to our curriculum. Curious to find out what others are using or doing for "Personal Finance" and what area is it located. (Economics or Business)

Looking forward to responses.

Perry Wilson

I am looking for additional questions to ask studnets, parents and staff concerning our first year of trimesters.

I am looking for schools who may currently run a hybrid schedule. We currently run a block/semester schedule but are looking to alternatives.

Particularly, I am looking for schools who may run 80-90 minute classes for either a semester or a year long. At the same time, I am looking for classes within the same schedule that run for 45-55 minutes for either a semester or for the entire year.

If you currently run a hybrid schedule combining block classes and 45-55 minute classes, I would appreciate the time to speak/meet with you to discuss the intricacies of how you schedule students and what type of program you use to do it.

We are exploring new avenues in terms of serving our student population. Any information would be a tremendous help.

If you are currently using online textbooks at your high school, St. Joseph High School would be interested in hearing about your experiences. Please provide us with contact information. Thanks!

We have separated our Gov't. and Civics content. We teach Govt. junior year and have made Civics a senior year graduation requirement. As teachers work to develop curriculum they want to embed a service learning component. Looking for some good models to work from in this transitional phase.

We would like to weight our advanced placement classes G.P.A.'s automatically, and I am not sure if there is an easy way to do it or not. Any information would be helpful.
Thank you,
Matt

Has anyone at the H. S. level implemented a reading intervention class for 9th / 10th graders? If so, what criteria is used for placement and what materials/instructional approach is being used?

Interested in specific details about how you plan to adminsiter the 3rd WorkKeys test to your senior class.

Interested in knowing if the information received has been helpful and worth the $295.00 cost per kit.

We are looking for a tool to use with students to assess the effectiveness of our counseling/guidance department. We are planning on completing a 360 evaluation with students, parents, and teachers.

Researching other high schools that are currently using or are thinking about moving to an ABC-I type of grading scale. Would like information and any data you would be willing to share.

What schools have a college within the school program or articulation of classes (not CTE).

THANKS!

Lakewood High School needs to know what other schools are doing with trimesters and the amount of Math Homework.
Please tell me how many math problems teachers are assigning as homework.
Specifically Algebra II and Geometry
Thanks 

We are doing some preliminary investigating and I could use some information from any of you who have the experience in implementing trimesters. Questions:
How long have you had it in place?
Do you see a positive correlation to academic achievement?
Has it cost you ($$-wise)and if yes, when (what year) did the cost increase become most apparent?
Have any of you who have gone to trimesters then gone back to semesters?
How has the community "bought in"?
Your overall experience in implementing: positive or negative AND how long did it take you to implement?

THANK YOU!!!!!!
Brooke Ballee
bballee@vanburenschools.net

We are looking at online options for high school courses and credit recovery options. We are looking at Aventa and Michigan Virtual University. MVU has had some issues in the past. Does anyone have a recommendation or insight (positive or negative) on these or other online options?

We are investigating what software other Michigan districts use for student managment/student services (master schedule building, etc...).  Please share any information/companies you have worked with.

MIDDLE SCHOOLS: Do you have an innovative intervention program that helps struggling students get ready for the high school level?

HIGH SCHOOLS, CTE PROGRAMS, ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMS: Do you have unique scheduling options, programs or classes that restore credit and keep students on track for graduation?

If so, please consider signing up to be a presenter at the MASSP Credit Recovery Summit, January 28, 2009 by completing this short survey!

Survey link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=_2b7D4FqN6krmk7KdN_2b8mL4w_3d_3d

Do any schools have a district curriculum team that helps determine the direction, compliance, changes, etc. to curriculum? Please send details to rbelous@athertonschools.org, thanks.

We are restructuring and in need of descriptions for the following:  Special Education Director, Curriculum Director, Title I and Title II a.  Thanks for your response.

Does anyone know where to find a copy of the Student Grade Appeal Law from 15-20 years ago?  Is it still valid??

I am looking for a tutoring or remedial program for students who are classified as homeless.  I found out today that Title 1 funds are available for this program and need to have something in place soon.  Any suggestions or resourses would be greatly appreciated.

We are in the works, but there is much debate over what they should look like and when they should be implemented.

For schools that have not moved Earth Science to the 8th Grade: What curriculum is being used for 8th Grade Science in the absence of any grade 8 Science GLCE's? Thanks for your help

Our high school is looking to implement a comprehensive dance program at the high school level starting with freshmen.  Do any of you have a worthwhile program running currently or know of a curriculum that is already out there???  Any information would be appreciated!  Thank you!

Brooke Ballee

bballee@vanburenschools.net

I am trying to access the assessments that have been released for Algebra, Geometry, and English 9 on the OEAA secured site. I have been to the Student Search page, but do not see them. Any suggestions?

Pyramid of Interventions

I am looking for middle schools successfully implementing a Pyramid of Interventions for their students.

Thanks,
Claire Bunker
Clare-Gladwin RESD