Bedford Academy High School
About the Practice
Our best practice is in three layers:
1. Mandatory extended day tutoring for all ninth grade students.
– Students are assigned to the two classes which their teachers see them needing the most help. This data is reviewed by the administrative team; Principal, Asst. Principal, Guidance Counselor and Special Education Support Teacher.
– Tutorial happens Monday through Thursday 3:30 – 5:30
– All teaching staff are involved
2. Saturday Academy open to all students who need additional tutoring.
– Freshmen who are falling behind in more than one subject are scheduled for Saturday Academy
– Sophomores – Seniors are scheduled as needed
– Saturdays 10:00am – 1:00pm
– All teaching staff are involved
3. 9-9 Regents Prep four Saturdays preceding the Regents.
– All students who are scheduled to take the Regents
– Regents level teachers (Saturday Academy runs concurrently)
– Students arrive at 9:00am and remain for 12 hours with two breaks. Lunch and Dinner are provided by the Parents.
4. This practice started in 2003 when the school opened.
Target Population/Total Students:
Target population is dependent on student need. Freshmen numbers are consistent with the register.
Challenges:
- 9th grade students, in particular, don’t want to stay the extra time Monday – Thursday
- Students don’t want to stay the 12 hours on Saturday for Regents Prep
How did school overcome challenges?
Parent support is enlisted to ensure students remain for tutoring and remain the entire time for Regents Prep. Meeting with parents and showing them the success rates based on these practices encourages their support.
How will you continue to sustain this practice?
These practices will remain in place by seeking additional funding, creative scheduling and teachers devoting some of their own time to ensure student success. Professional Development on the lines of cultural awareness as it applies to student achievement has been and will continue to be a part of Bedford Academy operating procedure.