> Overview of Standards Based Instruction 
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Students Speak Out at Noatak Napaaqtugmiut High School
This
school year has been modified to a better learning
system called Guided Learning, which allows each student to accomplish things
at a different pace. The high school is divided up into Level 1 and Level
2. There isn't much of a difference except for
the time being spent on their work. I believe they should
keep it this way so each of the groups can learn
more and meet each of their standards which need to be met. As in, passing the
state exit exam and moving on in life.
Some
of the kids around here are real smart and the
others hold them back like nets. They don't get challenged
and it stops them from learning things they don't
already know. The others, they sometimes get confused and fall behind. That's
why we need Guided Learning. It helps kids learn at their own pace. It helped
me by putting me in the pace that I need. I used to be so bored…it was like
waiting for the rain to fall during a drought. I think that we should
keep this new learning system because it helps
everybody.
Over
the past years, the school has been the same. Now
here I am a senior and the school finally decided to reform after all. I would
have to say the reform has been fun and easy. I would also say it is better.
There is no rule that says all people have to learn
at the same pace. Different people have different paces of learning. The change
is also better because you can work with a different group than the one
you had always been with. Would you want to be
stuck through the whole year, moving slow for you? I didn't
think so. People learn at different paces, and
that's what this reform is for.
A
Teacher's Dream: Greater Student Success By Susette Carroll and Stan VanAmburg Napaaqtugmiut High School Teachers
It
is a teacher's dream to have all or even most of
his or her students engaged and on task. Since implementing Guided Learning and
a thematic approach to our high school, we have seen some very encouraging results.
Results that we feel are directly related to Guided Learning and a thematic approach
to the discipline.
One
of the encouraging results has been most students
performing at a higher level of success. By using a performance scale of Advanced,
Proficient, Below Proficient, and Not Proficient, students know exactly
if their work is up to state standards. If it is,
then they are doing what is necessary to pass the exit exam; if not, then more
work is needed to become proficient. By eliminating the "D" from
the old grading scale, students can no longer pass
a class but be below proficient.
Another
positive change has been the use of levels in the
high school. Students who are placed in an appropriate level have a higher chance
of success because the teacher can now instruct at the correct level. We
have also seen some students who are performing
much better this year because they are now leaders and producing more work than
ever before because they are in a level in which they can succeed. Students
are taking on more responsibility as they become
self-directed learners.
The
utilization of a thematic approach has allowed
students to move from one class to another without losing
a basic common theme. It better uses current district
curriculum for instruction. What is being taught in Language Arts can be applied
to Science.
All
in all, we are off to one of our best starts here
at Napaaqtugmiut High School. We feel that much of the success, positive atmosphere
and learning that takes place here is related to Guided Learning.
We thank you for making the educational process
a more positive experience and for allowing us the opportunity to structure school
in a way that allows for greater student success!
Note:
WinSchool Report Cards will continue to be used
until there is a complete transition to Guided Learning.
Kobuk
Students Now have More Incentive to Learn
"I
think leveling is better than grading. When we have trouble learning something,
we can always improve on it later in the year or next year. With grades,
we all had to learn at the same pace. With leveling, we can learn at our own
pace. The other thing I like is we switch teachers and classes, and we get
separated into different groups. I guess that's
what I like about leveling."
"I
feel good in groups."
"I
like Guided Learning because it's better than last
year. We can now work with people in the same level as us. It is easier than
last year. Now we can master a level and move up. Since I'm smart, I could probably
move up a level."
"I
think this is better than grades, because it is
organized better."
"I
like Guided Learning. It is better than last year.
We can learn more and get higher grades."
"Guided
Learning is making my grades improve. They are
getting to be wonderful. I'm in a good level for me. If
little kids are really smart they will move up
a level. Then people will get jealous, and then they
might work harder. Then they will have to improve
their grades. You should work slowly, then if you have extra time, check your
work, and then check if your name's on your paper."
"Yes,
I think it is a good idea, and we can work harder."
"Leveling
is good because it makes you smarter."
Deering
Students Like to Set Their Own Pace
"The
way I see it, it improves my chances for success. For me, it makes me wanna do
my work more often at times. Just so I can be done and then try to make it to
the next level. It is less stressful because the teachers are not saying, 'Hurry
up, the class is ahead of you!' 'Look, you're behind, you have to catch up.'
I'm glad we have this new program."
"I
think Guided Learning is a lot better because you
can pace yourself instead of waiting for the whole class. You can get ahead of
the class at your own pace and maybe move up a level quicker."
"I
like Guided Learning. I think it is fun to go to
different teachers for different subjects. I like Guided Learning better than
traditional. And I like my attitude."
"Guided
Learning is OK. It is definitely better than before,
no matter what. You get to always say something positive when someone asks you
how you are doing in school."
"I
think Guided Learning is better than the traditional
way, and could make people not think about dropping out because they are behind
on their work. Now they can take as long as they want."
"Guided
Learning is better because you can get ahead and
learn at your own pace. It's just a little bit fun."
"I
think it kicks butt! It's better than grades, you
can go at your own pace."
"I
think it is very creative. Doing it this year can
let people learn as fast as they want."
