Went to an interesting user meeting for A+ today. This is ALL about diversity in education. Here are my notes.
A+ Rudder High School October 23, 2009

Hybrid classes: Direct teach with self paced A+ (Four classes each week) and direct teach (one class period per week with projects, problems, or discussions that enhance and extend material already mastered on A+). Math Models will be the focus where the program has been running since Spring of 2008 at Bryan HS.
Credit recovery has a pre-test option. Students take two courses per semester. These kids have already taken the classes and were not successful.
kids can't take notes- geography example, write down points on what the students need to get from the A+ reading.
Kids must take notes in their notebook (see Dave)
Kids who have caught up and have passed TAKS can accerlerate into other classes; government, economics, electives. This is individualized per student.
Kids take test and don't pass at 80%, they need to go back through the peices they missed.
We have great tools with A+, but the people are more important.

Project 2nd Chance Georgetown 9th Grade Center- helping students get back on track.
Issue
student completion and drop outs
research says most kids drop out in 9th grade, interventions don't usually begin until 11th with struggling students
Current situation
fail 1st semester= go on to 2nd semester with no help. Can they make it the 2nd semester, what if they can't afford summer school?
lose the credit
missing skills and knowledge
possible TAKS concerns
Solution
utilize computer based instruction
offer credit recovery opportunities
send written invitations to parents- make them personal
90 minute session after school 4:00-5:30. Talk to coaches/UIL
Monday-Thursday
Six week sessions
Provide subject specific facilitators- team teach every other day, need teacher buy in
math and science emphasis
Principal is there everyday to support teachers and take care of discipline in the beginning
Letters
personalized
overview of personilized
cost $20.00 per session- bargan comparied to summer school
offer tuition deferment
transportation arrangements
calendar
application= rules and expectations
The Beginning
Feb 17- start date 62 students
week two= 99 students from word of mouth
spiral notebooks to learn how to take notes (Wal-Mart end of school sale)
snack and drink provided @ 3:45 in cafeteria
Credits recovered
Algebra1 -27/33
English-7/7
Geography- 18/19
Science- 11/27 Biology, Spec Ed students struggling with reading/vocabulary
Second semester passing rates were 45%, 28/62
Conclusions
Impact- 90 one-half credits regained- parents really loved it.
Surveyed parents, teachers and students after program- good results
74% passed TAKS math/reading
principal gives certificate to students on completion
need a 1-12 ratio
Decision you need to make how many times can the student take the exam?
1- no supervision
2- supervisor looks at spriral and notes
3- study partner before test is given



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Bryan Flex Program- drop out program for over-aged seniors who have already dropped out
because of needing hours, needing to work, illness, child. Needed to attend when school is not open. Life got in the way of school.
Program Goals
provide academic and career success
Flexible hours to meet needs of students 10:00 am-8:00 pm
Students attend as their schedule allows
credit given through seat hours
6 hours seat time, one ADA
teachers work from 10-6 or 12-8
have to apply for program
Using A+
teachers must be guide on the side not sage on stage
tackle one course at a time
build TAKS review into system
knock on doors to get students back
all agencies involved in getting kids back
classes off campus
In addition to A+
mentors, community leaders
Blinn Workforce ED. welding
job shadowing at St. Josephs and City of Bryan







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Sharon