Twenty-First Century Schools Committee

Guest blogger:  Taylor Watkins, Research committee

I viewed an excellent film on the high school in West Clermont, Ohio on Channel 22.  Even though their student population was much different from Westlake HS, it was still of interest.  West Clermont reorganized their HS from one comprehensive school to 10 small schools.  It was described as a Vanguard School.  The reorganization allowed more communication and encouragement between students and teachers.  Average and struggling students were motivated to improve their academic performance and take new leadership roles.  A higher percentage of students began planning for college.  More information can sought at www.thecollegetrack.com and the film can be ordered at www.films.com or 1-800-257-5126

As I promised my Research Subcommittee I gathered info from the Alamo Heights web site on their Spanish Immersion Program.  My 9th grader, Chris Watkins, was in Kindergarten in Alamo Heights Kindergarten Center when the Spanish Immersion Program was organized.  The Immersion Program began at both their elementary schools in Chris’ first grade year so those students are now 9th graders at Alamo Heights High school.  Chris did not apply for the program because of our planned move to Austin.  The Immersion program was instituted because of the elimination of the Spanish program in the elementary grades as a result of Robin Hood.  The Immersion Program is of minimal cost to AHISD  because a bilingual teacher is hired as a classroom teacher instead of a resource teacher.  A description of the program can be viewed at www.ahisd.net/spanimm/immerindex.htm