Bath program helps teens graduate
Students not able to finish school
can earn credits at night
by Jessi De La Cruz,
Lansing State Journal, September 16,
2002
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www.bridges4kids.org.
BATH - Bath High School will pilot a program
this fall aimed at students who struggle to collect the last few
credits needed to graduate.
The free program, primarily run through
computer software, can teach students subjects from reading to
math.
School officials hope the night program's
flexibility will give drop-out and struggling students a chance
to finish high school.
"We have students who have been unable, for
one reason or another, to finish high school," said Anthony
Habra, high school counselor and program coordinator. "We're
offering this to make sure no students are left behind."
The program is scheduled to begin by
mid-October with a 10-student maximum, Habra said. A certified
teacher will be on hand during the class, which will be five
days a week.
"(Students) come in and work as hard as they
want when they are there," Habra said. "Because it's a computer
program, it will pick up where they left off."
Students will take tests and must have an 80
percent proficiency to go onto the next level of learning, Habra
said.
High school English teacher Sharon Murchie
said it's vital for the school to offer education options
besides the typical school schedule.
"Different kids learn in different ways," said
Murchie, who likely will be one of the teachers who oversees the
program. "For certain students, I think it's a necessary
alternative."
Murchie said her role
would be a facilitator. She also would encourage students to
finish their high school education.
"There needs to be a personal contact so that
they have a reason to be there other than the education," she
said.
Although Bath students have priority in being
accepted to the program, other students who are ages 19 and
under and don't have a diploma can sign up, Habra said.
Seven of the 10 open slots for this fall
already are filled.
The district is paying for the program, which
is likely to cost $30,000 to run, including the computer
software, Habra said.
Bath High School senior Michael Loepp can't
wait for the night class to begin.
He said his anxiety and depression make it
hard for him to concentrate in morning classes.
"They're trying to help me get through," Loepp
said. "I'd probably be in a lot of trouble (without this
program)." |