Listening to High School Students

Dr. Jennifer Cardwell has made it a practice at HTHS to meet with students on a regular basis to ask for their input.  Student voice is an important part of the decision making process.  Last week at her Academic Learning Lunch, Dr. Cardwell invited randomly selected students to have lunch with her and to talk about next-steps that could positively impact students' learning experiences for 2016-17.  Here are some of their comments:

What are the positive learning experiences you’ve had at HTHS?  What are opportunities we provide that you think must be available next year, as well?
• Academies (multiple students said this)
• New perfect attendance recognition program
• Technology-use in the classroom
• Many students commented on accessibility of Chromebooks through library and their classrooms
• Rigor in advanced courses
• Calculators the library allows students to check out
• ACT prep that English and some math teachers conduct (several students even gave a shout-out to Leslie Terrell specifically)
• Remind 101 use (many freshmen commented on this)
• The way their teachers use Google Classroom
• The EMS program, specifically
• Co-Op
• Liked how some teachers were using learning targets to make students aware of what they were to learn during the lesson; multiple students referenced Dr. Stull’s Learning Targets and tests matching those – the students appreciated that
• Over and OVER students talked about how they appreciated their teachers who took the time to get to know them.  Relationships were emphasized repeatedly.

What are some ideas to consider for next year?
• Engineering classes are great but crowded – more sections of Engineering
• If a teacher makes an assignment that is a large project, should consider giving time frame that would include a weekend in case students have busy work or athletic schedules during weeknights.
• Students without cell phones can’t access Remind101; make sure there are other forms of communication with students
• If a student takes Physics, should have had Algebra II with trig first so course won’t be so difficult.
• “Some of my general courses could be a little more difficult – some of mine go too slowly” (to which Dr. Cardwell replied that the student should have been in more advanced courses, maybe…he agreed)
• Would like more CTE courses, like welding and cosmetology.  Explained how Co-Op could fulfill some of that for them.
• Would like student buses to long-distance away games
• Would like to see a pep rally for any team that makes it to state

According to Dr. Cardwell, "The students spoke so positively about many of their classes and teachers.  We have amazing students who really are interested in learning, and who desire that their teachers know them as individuals.  If you’ve never conducted student surveys in your classrooms to get feedback on your course, I encourage you to do that (Google Form is great).  Students like knowing their opinions are valued. Overall, our students are very appreciative of their educational experiences at HTHS, thanks to each of you."