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Over 50 people attended the meeting December 2 when concerned parents and residents provided information and statistics related to Wellington High School's performance in comparison with other high schools in the State. Two of the primary concerns were "block scheduling" and utilization of Interactive Television.
Earlier this month, Joe Jacobs, WHS Assistant Principal, described the steps taken to review the "block scheduling" that has been in place for at least six years.
"The Scheduling Committee comprised of a Board Member and teachers at WHS could find no evidence to guarantee there would be improvement in students' skills if our high school returned to scheduling classes in hourly periods," confirmed Jacobs.
That committee reviewed twelve schools in Division III and IV to provide similar school-size comparisons to WHS. Of those twelve schools, 7 have block scheduling and 5 have 7 or 8 period scheduling.
"We (WHS) constantly review what we are doing for the students," added Jacobs. He explained that increased student/teacher contact was the reason for moving from the AB schedule to ABC a few years ago. Students now see their teachers three times per week.
Karen Fuchs, WHS Counselor, explained the differences between Interactive Television (ITV) and Interactive Distance Learning (IDL).
ITV classes are within the Service Center district and add classes as needed to smaller schools that have limited teacher resources. These classes are for high school credits only. Fees are paid by the school receiving the ITV class. The school providing the ITV class receives payment.
"We (WHS) believe we are meeting student needs in house at this time," stated Fuchs.
IDL classes through Cowley County Community College are provided in the same basic manner. Those classes are for college credit and have an instructor assigned by or approved by the college. Students must be age 16, have a 3.0 GPA, and a qualifying ACT or test score in reading and, for college algebra, test score in math. All related fees are paid by the student/family. No Financial Aid is available for high school students.
Colleges involved with WHS also include Southwestern and Pratt Community College.
"WHS has 26 college credits available to students," clarified Fuchs. "And with online classes, there are even more options for high school students."
Jacobs and Fuchs are available at WHS for further information.
Over 50 people attended the meeting December 2 when concerned parents and residents provided information and statistics related to Wellington High School's performance in comparison with other high schools in the State. Two of the primary concerns were "block scheduling" and utilization of Interactive Television.
Earlier this month, Joe Jacobs, WHS Assistant Principal, described the steps taken to review the "block scheduling" that has been in place for at least six years.
"The Scheduling Committee comprised of a Board Member and teachers at WHS could find no evidence to guarantee there would be improvement in students' skills if our high school returned to scheduling classes in hourly periods," confirmed Jacobs.
That committee reviewed twelve schools in Division III and IV to provide similar school-size comparisons to WHS. Of those twelve schools, 7 have block scheduling and 5 have 7 or 8 period scheduling.
"We (WHS) constantly review what we are doing for the students," added Jacobs. He explained that increased student/teacher contact was the reason for moving from the AB schedule to ABC a few years ago. Students now see their teachers three times per week.
Karen Fuchs, WHS Counselor, explained the differences between Interactive Television (ITV) and Interactive Distance Learning (IDL).
ITV classes are within the Service Center district and add classes as needed to smaller schools that have limited teacher resources. These classes are for high school credits only. Fees are paid by the school receiving the ITV class. The school providing the ITV class receives payment.
"We (WHS) believe we are meeting student needs in house at this time," stated Fuchs.
IDL classes through Cowley County Community College are provided in the same basic manner. Those classes are for college credit and have an instructor assigned by or approved by the college. Students must be age 16, have a 3.0 GPA, and a qualifying ACT or test score in reading and, for college algebra, test score in math. All related fees are paid by the student/family. No Financial Aid is available for high school students.
Colleges involved with WHS also include Southwestern and Pratt Community College.
"WHS has 26 college credits available to students," clarified Fuchs. "And with online classes, there are even more options for high school students."
Jacobs and Fuchs are available at WHS for further information.
