By Eric Stevick
Herald Writer
Jeff Heckathorn is willing to go door to door or stand in front of a grocery store to rally support for more rigorous course offerings at Henry M. Jackson High School.
"Whatever it takes," said the Mill Creek man who is a software developer with degrees in electrical engineering and computer science.
Specifically, Heckathorn, whose son is a freshman at Jackson, is urging the school community to consider adding advanced placement courses or an international baccalaureate program.
Advanced placement classes cover college-level material in high school and allow students to earn college credit if they pass a national exam.
International baccalaureate, which is available at Edmonds Woodway High School, is a challenging academic program that uses world-class standards while allowing students to earn college credits if they pass exams or advanced placement to many universities.
As timing would have it, the Everett School District is beginning to study expanding high-level academic options at Jackson and its other three high schools, said Lynn Evans, an assistant superintendent.
As increasing numbers of students are able to meet academic standards on statewide exams by the tenth grade, the district needs to have more challenging courses available for the final two years, Evans said.
It’s too early to tell what form those courses would take, she said.
"We have to do this deliberately because we need to plan for the resources we will need," Evans said.
Cascade and Everett high schools offer some advanced placement courses. A few classes that can earn University of Washington credits are also available at local high schools. Also in the mix are courses offering other college credits on campus. Running Start, which allows students to enroll at area community colleges while attending high school, is another option.
Fred Dahlem, the Jackson principal, said he is glad the district is looking at expanding course offerings on a district-wide basis.
"It’s always good when you are talking about building programs that meet students needs," he said.
Jackson has a four-period day, which presents some logistical issues to offering advanced placement courses but "it’s not insurmountable," Evans said.
Heckathorn, who made a presentation to the Jackson Parent Teacher Student Association Thursday, believes there is widespread support from parents for advanced placement or international baccalaureate.
Heckathorn said Jackson has a lot of good qualities. He just wants to see it get better.
"The community is supportive. There are many good teachers. The band program is excellent, and the sports teams are inclusive and spirit lifting," he said. "It is just that the academic bar needs to be raised. Kids will step up to the challenge."
You can call Herald Writer Eric Stevick at 425-339-3446 or send e-mail to stevick@heraldnet.com.
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