Tale of Two Students (from the Wall Street Journal)

Wall Street Journal had this great article on Saturday, May 30, 2010.

...This fall, Ivan will enter the University of Oklahoma, armed with a prestigious scholarship. "I want to be the first Hispanic governor of Oklahoma," declares the clean-cut 18-year-old, standing on the steps of Santa Fe South High School, the charter school in the heart of this city's Hispanic enclave that he says put him on a new path.

Laura, who is 17, rose to senior class president at Capitol Hill High School, a large public school in the same neighborhood. But after scraping together enough credits to graduate, Laura isn't sure where she's headed. She never took college entrance exams. ...more...

Link to the full article: http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB10001424052748704717004575268752238805736-lMyQjAxMTAwMDAwMTEwNDEyWj.html (Valid for 7 days for non-subscribers)

From WSJ - The Case for Saturday School

This is a great article to keep in your library for future reference. Mr. Finn writes about the US lag behind other countries and suggests that maybe this is happening because we spend 30% less time in school. However, he also makes a strong point that we waste a lot of instructional time getting prepped, going to recess, enforcing classroom rules, (you teachers know what he means!).

The Wall Street Journal only allows these links for seven days to non-subscribers.
The Case for Saturday School

Horizon Charter School Open Enrollment for College-pre Academy

On March 22, Horizon Charter School begins open enrollment for 2010-11 school year of the Roseville Academy of Math, Science and Engineering. The Academy is a free, high-rigor, college-prep academy for students in grades 7-12. Students attend classes three days a week. Non-classroom days are designed for elective instruction including music, athletics, fine arts, foreign language, robotics, computer programming and other areas of individual interest to the student.

“I love the personalized, individualized learning and individual concern of the teachers,” said Gina Morgan whose son attends seventh grade at Horizon Charter School. “We send our son here because this site gives him an opportunity to learn where there are lots of positive influences.”

Parents interested in learning more about the Academy or who wish to submit a letter of intent to enroll their child are invited to an open house:

DATE: Monday, March 22, 2010
LOCATION: Horizon Charter School, Roseville Learning Center, 911 Reserve Drive in Roseville
SCHEDULE: 4:30-5:00 – Presentation for grade 7-9
5:00-5:40 – School Tour and chance meet the teachers
5:45-6:15 – Presentation for grade 10-12
INFO: Carolyn Bakken at 916-408-5232 or cabakken@hcs.k12.ca.us

Horizon Charter School is known for its unique programs and small class sizes that foster connections with community and peers. Students learn in small groups using a project-based approach that encourages students to explore topics in great detail while building their skills in mathematics, language arts, science and social studies. Students take frequent field trips and participate in community service projects in area businesses and organizations.

As a publicly funded charter school, Horizon adheres to the same academic standards as public schools but in a creative, more individualized manner. Parents are urged to submit their applications early as space in each academy is limited.