Community Forum Notes
December 12, 2007

Why aren’t students attending Humboldt?

• Bad reputation/gang perception
• Academic probation hurt the school
• Lack of performing arts
• Lack of teachers of color
• Lack of culturally proficient teachers
• Fly by night, change of focus too often
• Community doesn’t truly have a voice
• Feeling that the school is a dumping ground
• School starts too early, change start time
• Montessori program is not publicized
• Not seeing a lot of positive press about the school
• Perception is negative, the feeling that the perception is not being addressed

What factors are important for you to consider sending your student to Humboldt?

• Teach basic math, reading and writing
• Wants to know students as individuals
• Small enrollment
• Ninth grade team knows students
• Strong science program
• Student will find or follow their friends
• Special ed integrated
• We don’t want to limit what students become
• Make college equals careers, don’t focus on all careers
• Call it what you want, but have curriculum behind it to sell itself
• Market the 7-12 concept
• Families will go where they have interest
• Offer opportunities not tracks
• College courses are a must!
• Both themes must focus on instruction in reading and writing
• Keep in mind the 50% of students at Humboldt who don’t live on the West Side—a West Side environment focus may not work

How would the theme influence decision to send student to Humboldt?

• Environment theme would be good if students were interested
• CCTE not enough college and career focus
• Size of school
• Friendly and caring staff
• Clean school

Environmental

• Don’t want to leave behind the good programs we’ve got going
• Don’t believe there is a focus on going to college
• The belief that there is a lack of choices
• Next economic revolution
• Might lose teachers and students that are not on board with the theme

Like about Environment theme:

• The country is moving toward this theme
• Train more women in science
• Young people are passionate about environment
• Broad topics with opportunities
• Relevant to future

Dislike about Environment theme:

• Curriculum may not fit student population
• Not all go to college
• Loss of interest in theme
• Too focused
• Process timeline was too fast

CCTE (College, Career, Technical Exploration)

• Opportunity to have professionals come in and speak
• Will it give certification or just point students toward a certain job?
• Need to keep the theme broad to attract more studentsHow

Like about CCTE:

• Many options to pursue
• Vocational subject matter will capture attention
• Good for SPPS
• Early experience to jobs
• Attractive to students

Dislike about CCTE:

• Does not make us different
• Better fit for career bound, not college bound
• Seems to limit post-secondary
• Process timeline was too fast

Community Forum Questions with Answers

·        How do these topics relate to NCLB?

o       In general, a “theme” (or topic) is not part of NCLB.  The piece of NCLB addressed by the refocusing of Humboldt is to continue implementing and improving upon best teaching practices used in our schools.  Focusing on curriculum development to support the learning of all students to become successful, educated, productive citizens is also part of NCLB this refocusing will support.

·        How will this solve our real problem?

o       The proposals presented address the overall need to improve the academic achievement of all students attending Humboldt schools.

·        Is there enough of the theme for 6 years?

o       Yes, through a combined proposal of both themes, Humboldt has the opportunity to offer students a solid, seamless education that can prepare them for college and other careers.

·        How does the career tech program draw more students?  What makes the college, career tech program more attractive?

o       CCTE allows for students to deeply explore college opportunities across 6 years with Humboldt, in addition to providing access to other post high school educational and career choices.

·        How will you link 7-12?

o       More opportunities for students and staff to collaborate.

o       Students have the opportunity for cohesive 6 year AVID college preparatory program participation between junior and senior high

o       Provide students a comprehensive and detailed “6 year plan” to move through Humboldt schools

·        How were these topics picked?

o       Themes were staff generated by Humboldt Junior and Senior High Schools.

·        What are these topics going to do to bring West Side students back here?

o       Both of these proposals have the potential to attract a diverse group of families and students who are not currently being offered the focus and opportunities that Humboldt will provide.

·        Are they trying to draw more students?  What’s the real purpose?

o       Yes, we are trying to increase enrollment.  District wide this is a problem that needs to be addressed.  The “real purpose” in the proposed changes at Humboldt is to continue to move forward in providing a top notch educational experience to more students.

·        How are we going to make this relevant?

o       The new focus for Humboldt demands in-depth, real-life, hands-on learning opportunities that students will find immediately applicable to their lives and community.  Service learning and other community based experiences will increase student ownership inside and outside of the school communities.

·        How do band/drama fit in?

o       Humboldt will continue to promote, support, develop, and foster performing and visual arts curriculums.  Neither proposal includes any plans to decrease or eliminate ANY current programs in either the junior or senior high.