The alternative education program at San Benito High School is
up and running with more than 80 students enrolled.
”
I thought there’d be around 60. Now, we’re growing and will
continue to grow,
”
said Karen Schroder, alternative education coordinator.
The alternative education program at San Benito High School is up and running with more than 80 students enrolled.
“I thought there’d be around 60. Now, we’re growing and will continue to grow,” said Karen Schroder, alternative education coordinator.
School officials also didn’t realize how many students were being homeschooled or attending charter schools.
“Many parents were pleased to know their children could meet with a credentialed teacher and have their child’s education guided,” said Jean Burns Slater, superintendent of the SBHS District. “(The high demand) shows there was a great need in the community that wasn’t being met.”
In its first year at SBHS, the program is an attempt to offer more opportunities for all students. Alternative education includes a long-term independent study program and a program for an adult high school diploma.
Enrolling in the independent study program allows students to participate in campus activities, like clubs, sports and regional occupation programs. Also, they are part of a comprehensive high school and go to school with their friends, Schroder said. Offering the program allows the school to regain students on interdistrict transfers to other independent study programs, increasing funding from the state.
From the beginning, Schroder knew the alternative education program would have to pay for itself through attendance revenue. Looking at enrollment now, the program will have no problem being solvent.
“That’s an understatement. The program will do more than pay for itself,” Schroder said.
Students meet with a teacher once a week for 45 minutes. Currently, there are a combination of 10 instructors for the program, some teaching on their prep period. Students must spend 20 hours a week on their work.
“Students are getting the same knowledge they would get in the regular program. It’s modified so they can do it individually with minimum help,” Schroder said.
Students in independent study focus on one subject at a time, instead of six every semester, allowing students to learn at a different pace. Schroder is still completing the curriculum for certain subjects using the textbooks students would use in class.
Electives are limited. This semester, two teachers are meeting with independent study students for instruction in art and computer applications. Schroder said she was “happy (the teachers) were willing to do it” because it allows students to receive more than they would at other traditional independent study programs.
The adult education program, to receive the adult high school diploma, is different than the independent study program. Students are allowed to take 80 units a year, compared to 60 at the regular program. Currently, there are 16 students enrolled.
The adult diploma is for students who are behind in units. For example, some students could be in their second year in high school, but don’t have enough units to be considered a sophomore.
“Independent study is for students who function better on an independent basis. The adult education program is for students who are way behind in credits after the start of their second year,” Schroder said.
To get an adult diploma, students must complete 190 units – the same as at San Andreas Continuation High School. SBHS’s regular program requires 235 units to graduate.
This diploma is recognized by colleges and the military as a regular high school diploma. Class of 2006 students earning an adult diploma must also pass the California High School Exit Exam to earn their diploma.
Both programs are getting good response, Schroder said, because there is a need for them.
“A large, comprehensive high school is not conducive for every person,” she said. “Some feel lost and very uncomfortable. They thrive on a one-to-one setting with a teacher and they focus better at home doing their work.”
The alternative education program allows SBHS to meet the needs of more students.
“In the past, SBHS focused on a comprehensive high school program rather than alternative education. Now, we have the opportunity to focus on both,” Slater said.
Details: Karen Schroder, 637-5837, ext. 330.
