submitted by Erin Clary, Communications Specialist at BCSD
Last year a new program was launched at Berlin Central High School aimed at increasing the number of students who graduate and who do so on time. Now, in its second year, the “School within a School” program shows measurable signs of success and has expanded to include both a tenth and eleventh grade classroom.
According to the program coordinator and special education teacher Lou Amendolara, the passing rate among these students for classes and Regents Exams has increased, referrals have significantly decreased and students are on track to graduate.
“One student is on track to graduate and couldn’t be more proud because he will be the first in his family to do so,” said Amendolara. “He has really demonstrated his commitment to the idea of graduating and can ‘see’ it for the first time.”
As the name of the program suggests, students take their core subject courses including English, math and social studies within one classroom. For science the same small group of students is taught in a science lab. For all other courses – such as physical education and art – they assimilate with their peers.
The smaller class size and increased support in the classroom cuts down on distractions, and for reluctant learners this can make a world of difference in decreasing their absenteeism and raising their grades and confidence.
“Students see a little success and the feeling they can keep up; once they realize it’s do-able and that they’re doing it for themselves, they naturally step up,” said Amendolara.
Although the structure of the courses are modified whereby students complete the majority of their work while in the classroom, the academic rigor of a traditional classroom is maintained for these Regents-bearing courses.
Amendolara said students are also encouraged to go beyond expectations and are educated on the benefits of higher education.
“We talk to them about college as if it’s not even an option,” he said. “We tell them it’s going to happen and you’ll love it!”