Hillsboro provides another dimension of creative
scheduling through its intervention and arts offerings. Students choose between several options
called “Majors,” including band, choir, visual arts, and
theater. Another block is devoted to either enrichment or academic intervention. Intervention is based
on student needs, and delivers extra time for subject
area help and work with learning coaches. Enrichment is delivered through “Minors,” a diverse array of
courses offered on a quarterly basis.
This format allows the school to offer a highly
unusual, diverse array of learning opportunities.
Students meet – and often choose to exceed – state
requirements for computer and physical education,
with options for advanced computer work and interest-based PE classes like Zumba. Kids in a “Build”
class construct catapults from donated materials,
and a “Future Teachers” class gives middle schoolers
the opportunity to consider a career in education
and interact with K-3 classrooms.
“Middle school is a time to try something you may
be a little bit scared of,” said K-8 Arts Team Leader
Elizabeth Pittsley, who schedules the Minors options.
“It’s not a big commitment. It’s nine weeks. We try to
encourage them to try new things.”
“We have a philosophy to meet every child where
they are in every subject and every standard,” said
Principal Kari Miller. “We manipulate our schedule
around the needs of kids.”
Scheduling all this is no small task. School staff take
multiple perspectives on each child as they consider
the intervention/enrichment block. Academic data
and formative assessments are core considerations.
Input is gathered from teachers and literacy coaches.
An incentive for students is built into the process
– less time required for intervention means more
time for electives. And when students need all the
intervention time the school can offer, teachers and
literacy coaches still work to find a way to fit in both
needed interventions and brain-expanding electives.
“Some kids come to school for those elective classes,” Ms. Pittsley said. “Middle school is when you’re
figuring out who you are, and it’s the first time you’re
making some of your own choices. It empowers
them to take charge of their education.”
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