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GENERAL:

What are smaller learning communities?

SLCs are small, personalized school settings where students get individual attention from involved, motivated staff. SLCs create a positive climate where each student is expected to excel and receives the help and encouragement to do so. To support this environment, we will be moving toward a more rigorous and relevant curriculum for all students.

What other area school districts have implemented smaller learning communities?

Many school districts throughout the state and the country have implemented Smaller Learning Communities in various forms. Last year a committee of teachers, parents, counselors, and administrators visited many schools to investigate SLC programs.

Galveston Ball High School and Alvin High School are the closest schools in the area to implement Smaller Learning Communities. We have studied their programs and have learned from their experiences.

The following school districts in Texas also received a SLC grant from the Department of Education in 2004: Amarillo ISD, Austin ISD, Bastrop ISD, Belton ISD, Birdville ISD, Brazosport ISD, Bryan ISD, Cedar Hill High School, Dallas ISD, East Central ISD, Everman ISD, Houston ISD, Irving ISD, Leander ISD, Midway ISD, North East ISD, Northside ISD, Pearland ISD, Round Rock ISD, San Antonio ISD, Southwest ISD, and Weatherford ISD.

Why are many schools organizing themselves into smaller learning communities?

In large high schools (i.e. over 1000 students), it is difficult for teachers to know every student, and students often find themselves lost in the system. If they are struggling, students may decide it is easier to leave school than continue on, especially if it seems there are no adults who care.

How will the grant funds be used?

Grantees are authorized to use the funds for the following:

SCHEDULING:

When will I see my friends?

You will see your friends as you do now (i.e. lunch, extracurricular activities, between classes, etc.). In such a large school setting, students are currently not guaranteed to be in classes with their friends. Next year, students will see more of their peers within their school during their core classes, but their mobility around campus and in classes will not be limited. Lunches will not be determined by schools, so there will be a combination of students from each SLC during lunch.

What if I want to take a class that is not offered in my school?

You will be allowed to register for any class on campus during course registration in February. You will go to the class in the SLC where it is offered.

Are we going to be on the same schedule?

At this time, we will be on the traditional 8 period schedule beginning at 7:20 a.m. and ending at 2:30 p.m.

How many students are in a school?

The goal is to maintain 600-800 students in each SLC.

Can students change schools?

Students will remain in the school they picked in December 2004 for the 2005-2006 school year. Next year, students may choose a different school for the 2006-2007 school year. All students will take the required courses for graduation and there are no “school-based” class requirements—only electives; therefore, there is no penalty for changing schools.

Will AP and Pre-AP classes be offered in each school?

In some cases, yes. If you choose to take an AP or Pre-AP class that is not offered in your school, you will go to the class and SLC where it is offered. Student interest will determine how many AP and Pre-AP classes are offered in each subject area.

CURRICULUM:

Will students learn the same curriculum in their core classes in every school?

Yes. The curriculum and topics taught in each core class are mandated by the state. Teachers are required to cover the TEKS in all classes in every SLC. Students will learn required material, but may learn with a different instructional style or approach.

LOGISTICS:

Will we still have clubs, UIL, and athletics?

Creek will be Creek, Lake will be Lake, and Brook will be Brook. There will be a Student Council, Key Club and NHS. Social clubs, such as the Anime’ club, will be offered based on student interest just as they are now.

UIL competitions will continue to exist. Academic teams, athletic teams, choir, band, orchestra and drama are examples of extracurricular activities that will continue to be a part of each campus. You may compete in all campus activities regardless of the SLC.

Will the relationships between teachers change?

Teachers have moved classrooms to be closer to their SLC; thus, they are located near teachers of different subjects within the specific school. Teachers continue to meet with their departments as well as their school. Teachers will work with teachers of different subject matters to create interdisciplinary units and to discuss successful strategies that work in each other’s classrooms. Students will see their teachers more often because their classes will be in closer proximity.

What is an advisory?

An advisory is a small, structured academic setting designed to personalize the learning experience for each student.The make-up of an advisory class will be approximately 15-25 students who meet with one teacher (advisor) at least once a week.The purpose of the advisory class is to allow students and teachers to work together. As they develop a working relationship, a group sprit will be built and benefit the students, SLC, school, and community. A family atmosphere will provide a safe place for students to perfect decision-making skills, practice life skills, and develop personal learning and future plans.

How do the counselors fit into each school?

Counselors will be part of each SLC. At Clear Lake, the counselors will work with students in one SLC and participate as part of the leadership team within that SLC. At Clear Creek and Clear Brook, the counselors will be part of a SLC while still working with an alpha-group of students.

Is school selection independent of course selection?

The SLC a student selects does not limit the courses they may take. Students must take the required classes for graduation but may take electives in any SLC regardless of their SLC choice.

Will Smaller Learning Communities isolate ninth-graders from the rest of the campus?

Ninth-graders will continue to have their own hallway and move around the school with students of all grade levels at Clear Brook. The ninth-graders have a separate building on the Clear Creek and Clear Lake campuses. All freshman lockers will be located in the ninth-grade hallway or building. Instead of being organized alphabetically down the hallway, the lockers will also be grouped by SLC or team so students will be closer to their classes. This will minimize travel across campus between classes.

ADVANTAGES:

Will student needs be addressed quickly?

Smaller Learning Communities help personalize the educational experience. This will increase communication between staff, especially among teachers who share students in their classes. When teacher communication increases, so does student success. The core team of leaders for each SLC may include a team leader, an assistant principal, a counselor, a department head, and other instructional leaders.

How will SLCs benefit students?

The three R’s ---Rigor, Relevance and Relationships

A rigorous curriculum raises the bar for students requiring them to perform at a higher level. The high school curriculum is mandated by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) provide the foundation for district curricula.

A relevant method of teaching is one where teachers continuously integrate the interest areas of the SLC into the curriculum. Integrated curriculum and differentiated instruction will be key components within each SLC during the 2006-2007 school year.