Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, May 6, 1995 TAG: 9505080043
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: DUBLIN LENGTH: Medium
The county School Board is considering raising the required math credits from three to four, for both the standard and advanced studies diplomas. It could act on the proposal as early as its next meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday.
Advanced studies students would also have to complete an additional social sciences class in world history, another science credit, and two more fine or practical arts credits. They would be able to take only four electives instead of six.
The only other addition for the standard diploma is another fine or practical arts credit. Also, a vocational-technical course could be substituted for a science credit at the junior or senior level.
The incoming freshman class also will have to take a competency test in math, similar to the language skills competency test already required, to graduate. The math test would be given during their junior year.
The change two years ago from a seven-class school day to four 90-minute classes allows students to get eight classes per year instead of seven.
Students who go through all four high school years with the 4/4 block scheduling could get as many as 32 credits.
The high school's 30-member improvement team proposed the changes to the central office staff and has been sounding out selected county citizens for reactions. Principal Tom DeBolt said some team members thought the requirements should be increased even more.
Even parents who opposed the changes have generally agreed that they are a good idea, but wanted them delayed until their own children would not be affected by them, Superintendent Bill Asbury said.
"We're all having to stretch right now," Asbury said. "Those are the demands in society." He said too many county graduates are failing entrance exams at New River Community College, or being able to meet job requirements at local industries.
"Believe me, we've had a vigorous debate. We've banged heads," DeBolt said. "The beauty of the 4/4 is you don't cover too much at one time."
He said other initiatives at the school, including the block scheduling, seem to be improving education. Last year, 122 students dropped out of school and this year, so far, the number is only 44.
Asbury said student scores on the most recent academic proficiency tests are generally around the 60th and 70th percentiles, the highest in the school's history.
"You can rest assured, everyone in the math department is for students taking four math classes," said Wayne Wooten, head of the mathematics department.
One concern expressed by some School Board members involves students who want to take continuing electives in band, music or drama, and being hampered by the reduced number of electives available under advanced studies requirements.
DeBolt said one argument is that students taking a semester of band, for example, would get concentrated 90-minute classes and could probably skip taking it the next semester without appreciably losing skills. "It does not erode," he said. "If what I'm saying is not right, then we'd better get rid of every church choir in the county ... They don't relearn Christmas music every year. They dust it off."
The school's improvement team is also asking the School Board for approval of additional courses, including a third one in algebra, a course in probability and statistics, applied physics with principles of technology, geoscience, environmental science, speech and debate, and creative writing.
One other proposed new course, Service Learning, would allow juniors and seniors to practice community volunteerism after school, on weekends and during the school day. Assistant Principal Jim Kelly said the course would go beyond volunteerism, requiring students to keep journals on their activities and raise questions in class about why the needs filled by volunteers exist in the community.
"There's a lot of service activity going on," he said. "We're real excited about the possibilities there."
"I call it social literary skills," Asbury said. "Somehow or other, our society's changed to where it's a 'me' society." This course could instill citizenship values in its students, he said.
by CNB