By Eric Stevick
Herald Writer
Everett School District’s high schools have been given two months to come up with recommendations for adding more rigorous course offerings.
While plenty of effort is being spent trying to prepare struggling students to meet academic standards on a series of tough state exams, the district wants to make sure that students who have reached that threshold continue to have challenging classes during their final two years.
The question is, said Terry Edwards, the district’s director of curriculum alignment, "How do we keep that rigor going?"
Edwards made a presentation to the Everett School Board on Tuesday, explaining how the schools are examining what they offer and what they may want to add over the next three years.
Earlier this month, the district brought in experts from different schools and districts outside the area and from colleges to discuss several options. They included:
Edwards said the goal is to improve offerings at Cascade, Everett, Everett alternative and Jackson high schools for all students — not just the college-bound. That means, for instance, there could be more industrial certification programs offered.
Teams of administrators, teachers and parents from the different schools will examine the class offerings and explore new options. Their reports are expected this spring, and some new classes could be offered by fall.
Even so, Edwards said the district isn’t looking for a quick fix. Changes would be made over several years.
"What we are trying to do is be deliberate about this so everybody is on board," Edwards said.
Cascade and Everett high schools already offer some advanced placement courses. A few classes that can earn UW credits are also available at local high schools.
The district is also looking to plant the seed before high school to help teachers prepare students for challenging classes. For instance, high schools may have several teachers trained to teach advanced placement courses, and feeder middle schools and even elementary schools will have teachers trained, too.
Jeff Heckathorn, a father with a son at Jackson High School, says parents will be eagerly awaiting their school’s recommendations. The PTSA at Jackson recently had a forum discussing the advanced placement and international baccalaureate programs.
"This school, this district, is crying out for (international baccalaureate)," he said.
You can call Herald Writer Eric Stevick at 425-339-3446
or send e-mail to stevick@heraldnet.com.
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