The intent of the High School Prep (HSP) curriculum is to provide a positive long-term change in the behavior and/or attitude of the attending students. Of major concern is that the program will benefit greatly the participants who demonstrate academic achievement in the bottom fifty percent of the ninth grade class. With this in mind, the following grading policy is established for the HSP classes:

All HSP students will receive a passing grade, recorded as an "A" grade providing they:

-- Have no more than 5 unexcused absences.

-- Do not disturb the learning of other students more than 15 times during the course. This was a full year course taught every other day. A violation of the class rules is a disruption. The following class rules will be posted in the room and explained in detail to the students. The students will sign an agreement to follow:

1. No talking -- unless you raise your hand and get permission.

2. TREAT ALL CLASSMATES WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT -- Always.

3. Bring a 3-ring binder, paper and #2 pencil to class every day.

4. Sharpen pencils before class begins.

5. Please, no gum, food, etc.

6. Sit properly -- LOOK SHARP.

7. Use 'Sir' and 'Ma'am' in all classes.

8. Prior to the bell, prepare all tools.

9. No sleeping in class.

10. Bring no toys or playthings to class.

11. Wear school I.D. card properly

I believe this policy is in the best interest of the lesser achieving students. It results in practically no fear of grades. One may argue that it seems unfair to give a student an "A" grade for simply 1) attending a class regularly, and 2) following class rules or "being good." I disagree as I need the students in the classroom, and I want them to pay attention. My thinking is that regular attendance and following the class rules should warrant an "A." As a teacher I should have the ability to present the course content to all students in a manner whereby they understand it . I don't want "D" and "E" students again being castigated by the fear of repetitive failure. Often, students do not try because the idea of receiving a failing grade after really trying is such a psychological defeat. Those students sometimes find it easier to not try, and then they have (psychologically speaking) a valid reason to have failed. As this class is such a small part of their total high school program, one "A" achieved in this manner should not skew their total grade point average. Quizzes will be given and grades compiled. However, that information will be used only as a tool to encourage positive behavior and not as a threat. Intensive counseling will be implemented for students that accumulate negative marks depicting a trend toward an "E" grade. The mind set for HSP is that there should be no failures. HSP teachers should avoid threat, coercion, anger, and other dehumanizing tactics in an effort to help students attain goals.

P.S. All teachers and administrators involved with HSP have agreed after a two-year experience with the program that this policy is working and should be continued. I experienced about 5% "E" or failing grades at year's end. After the first quarter, there were usually about 10% to 20% E grades. Dramatic improvement in the "recalcitrant" students was noticed about 2/3 of the way through the year-long course which was taught every other day.

LtCol. Edler