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Student Success
at
Newton
High
School
Description:
Student Success is a
support program for first-time ninth graders sponsored by the
Georgia State Department of
Education and the
Newton
County School System. The program is designed to give students the
tools, skills, and extra support needed to succeed in high school. It
is not a remedial or special education program. The Success team
teachers provide the extra guidance students need in order to succeed
during their ninth grade year and to build a solid academic foundation for
high school.
The program stresses
organizational skills, study skills, and responsibility with its students.
The team teachers strive to strengthen students' basic skills and to make
the lessons relevant to each student's needs. Tutoring is available before
and after school. Additionally, the program coordinator monitors the
progress of the students-- grades, attendance, and behavior-- in the
program. Progress reports are sent home every two weeks.
The Success team at
Newton High School consists of a program coordinator and and a
paraprofessional. Students take two academics and two electives each
semester. At least one of the electives should be a vocational class.
Program
Objectives:
-
To improve student
performance and raise expectations in the high school setting.
-
To improve the
probability of passing the Georgia High School Graduation Test during
students' junior year of high school.
-
To provide the
support needed for a successful transition from middle school to high
school.
-
To reduce the
probability of failure during the ninth grade year by providing academic
support.
Student Eligibility:
Student Success
accepts 50 to 60 students each year if the space is available in the
success classes. Students are eligible if they meet any one or more of the
following requirements:
-
The ITBS or
equivalent standardized test reflects a grade equivalent score of 7.0 or
below in math and/or reading.
-
Are in the 25th
percentile or below in math and/or reading on the ITBS or equivalent
standardized test.
-
Are economically
disadvantaged.
-
Have chronic
absenteeism.
-
Are considered to be
adjudicated youth.
Documentation of
eligibility and parental permission is required before any student is
admitted to the program. Students who are served by special education
are not eligible for the Student Success Program. However, students
may be served by both the Remedial Education Program and the Student
Success Program.
No person
shall, on the basis of sex, race, national origin or handicap, be
excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be
subjected to discrimination under any educational program or
activity under the direction of the Georgia Department of Education.
Recommending a Student
to the Program:
Although the ITBS or
equivalent test scores of all incoming 9th graders will be reviewed to
determine eligibility for the Student Success Program, teacher and
counselor recommendations are welcomed. In order to recommend a student,
fill out a
Student Success Application/Recommendation Form, attach the
appropriate documentation and forward the information to the Newton High
School
Program Coordinator. You may include any other pertinent
information or anecdotes with the application/recommendation.
What is VOCA?
Voca (Vocational
Opportunity Clubs of America) is an optional activity for Success
students. VOCA affords many leadership opportunities through its local
program. Elected officers at the local level officiate at VOCA meetings
and help plan school and community projects. There are thirteen elected
officers, six of which are Region Representatives who officiate at the
State Convention and at Regional Officer Training Conferences each year.
In addition to this, they are called on many times to represent VOCA at
various meetings over the state.
VOCA students grow
through competition as well as through being a member of a select group in
the Success Program. The Success Program helps students find themselves a
place in the world of work. Through VOCA comes the opportunity for
competition and for putting into practice many of the skills learned
class.
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