There are a lot of things high school students need to learn:
polynomial equations, how to use a semicolon and when the Mayflower
Compact was signed.
And while all those are on the curriculum at Anzar High School,
there is one lesson that is taught consistently through all classes
and grades
– how to think. It is a lesson that has been well received by
students and faculty alike at the small school.
The proof is in the press release.
San Juan Bautista – There are a lot of things high school students need to learn: polynomial equations, how to use a semicolon and when the Mayflower Compact was signed.
And while all those are on the curriculum at Anzar High School, there is one lesson that is taught consistently through all classes and grades – how to think. It is a lesson that has been well received by students and faculty alike at the small school.
The proof is in the press release.
Last week, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell announced that Anzar was chosen as a California Distinguished School for 2005. Out of the 2,300 middle and high schools in California, 191 were given distinguished school status.
“I think it’s really cool,” said senior Sam Stewart. “I don’t know if a lot of the students know what it means, but it is an honor to get that award.”
To be eligible for distinguished school status, a school must meet its state-calculated growth rate for test scores and have a curriculum that focuses on California standards. Also, the school must work to have a safe campus and effective programs in place for special education students and English language learners.
“It is a school that is successful statewide academically,” said Mary Gomes, consultant with the California school recognition program.
If a school meets that criteria, it is invited by the state department of education to apply for distinguished school status. Fewer than 465 schools were invited to apply, and 191 received the designation.
While a small student enrollment, about 315, certainly contributes to Anzar’s success, it has more to do with the open environment of learning and respect on the campus, where teachers respect students and their ideas and students respect teachers, said Principal Charlene McKowen.
“Teachers actually have time to help students,” said senior Jared Atkinson, who transferred to Anzar three years ago after a year at San Benito High School.
Faculty members at Anzar do a lot more than teach; every teacher is also an advisor, who works with a group of students throughout their entire time at the school.
“Teachers work as a team,” said Lynne Ellison, who teaches science and health. “We feel empowered, which also empowers our students. Other schools are very disciplined, and they learn things well. But they don’t learn thinking.”
Each year nearly 100 percent of Anzar’s graduating class is prepared for college, if they want to go, McKowen said.
Before graduating, each student must complete an exhibition, including a written and oral presentations on a topic chosen and researched by the student.
“We’re trying to fix it so no student can graduate without knowing how to think,” McKowen said.
Students credit the exhibition with preparing them for higher education or the work world.
“Not many schools give you a chance to write a college-type paper,” Atkinson said.
McKowen will travel to the Anaheim next month for an awards ceremony at the Disneyland Hotel. Anzar will receive a plaque, and the title of distinguished school stands for four years.
“This is just an awesome place … it is totally student-centered” she said. “Every single teacher is here by choice. No one is just waiting around for their retirement.”
Luke Roney covers education and agriculture for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 335 or at
lr****@fr***********.com
