Helix Charter High School provides a comprehensive education that prepares all students to graduate college ready and equipped

to reach their personal and academic potential.

ExL, Study Skills, Tutorials, Algebra Support

In a college preparatory environment HCHS strives to close the achievement gap through effective collaboration and innovative

practices.

Program Mission

All of our Support Programs will work with students, parents, community and staff to promote HCHS’s Mission and Vision for all students. Our tutorial programs are committed to supporting students’ social, emotional, personal and academic growth. Our programs are also committed to providing an academic environment that promotes respect, student achievement and college readiness. We are committed to working collaboratively with teachers and Grade Level Teams (GLTs) to form teams that take collective responsibility to improve student achievement.

Who are the Tutors?

College graduates, credentialed teachers and college students with at least 45 credits who are on their way to becoming educators.

Hired during the summer for the upcoming school year. We look for tutors who can stay with our program throughout their educational career to provide continuity for our students

Annual and ongoing training including but not limited to: Ready To Learn (SDCOE) Academic Coaching Curriculum (SDCOE and Cal.DOE) Professional Development Academy (Grossmont-Cuyamaca Colleges) Six Pillars of Character Larry Bell: Multicultural America Inc. Highlander Camp Curriculum Pat Quinn: Motivating the Unmotivated Helix Teaching Staff

Extended Learning (9th grade ExL)

Classroom Schedule: Silent individual work time 30 minutes Group work 40 minutes Silent Reading or 12 Words (Larry Bell’s UNRAAVEL)

All Freshman are enrolled in ExL or Study Skills

Student-tutor ratio: 10-12 : 1

Tutorials (10th, 11th, 12th grades)

Classroom Schedule: Silent individual work time 30 minutes Group work 40 minutes Silent Reading or 12 Words (Larry Bell’s UNRAAVEL)

Average class size: 25-30 students

Types of students: 10th, 11th, 12th grade students in need of significant

academic assistanceStudent-tutor ratio:

8 – 10 : 1

Algebra Support (9th grade)

Classroom Schedule: Silent Reading/or 12 Words (Larry Bell’s UNRAAVEL) Silent individual work time 30 minutes Group work 40 minutes

Average class size of: 20- 25 students

Types of students: Freshman students as identified by the Math Dept.

as requiring additional assistance in Algebra I

Student-tutor ratio: 10-12 : 1

Study Skills Classes (9th, 10th, 11th, 12th grades)

Average class size: 10-20 students

Students placed in class are all on an IEP

Student to tutor ratio: 5 : 1

Additionally, SDC Reading and Math classes are supported with tutors

Funded by GUHSD

Study Skills

Positive changes this year to support study skills students 3 tutors in every period

More support for Special Education teachers Greater support for students Follow through on IEPs and personal goals Easier communication with teachers

Teacher’s Prep period allows tutors to Check HW assignments Proctor test/quiz retakes Check in on students in the General Ed. Classroom Check and record students’ weekly grades Assist with test and HW modifications

Frequently Asked Questions

How are students placed? GLTs look at their students’ GPAs or failed classes.

Students and parents request additional support.

Upper Grade ExL has all 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students that may or may not need support.

Tutorial students are placed as a result of failing more than one class or if support is requested.

Many new and transfer students are placed in tutorial for a limited time in order to assist them in transitioning to Helix’s academic rigor.

Students with IEPs are placed in Study Skills classes based on their grade level.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are classes set up? (Upper Grade Tutorials, ExL, and Independent Study)

ExL: All 9th graders

Upper Grade Tutorial: Set up by grade level in order to give students who truly need help greater support.

Upper Grade ExL: Students in 10th, 11th, and 12th grade who need little support.

Upper Grade Independent Study: Students that have good grades and need less support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the tutors check grades? Tutors do check grades on a weekly basis. A portion of

class time is dedicated to checking current grades with students. This is also a good time for tutors to formulate a plan for improving students’ grades if they are failing any of their classes. Each students’ grades are recorded and monitored in order to help recognize rising or falling trends.

Is it okay to pull students out of support classes to retake an assessment or meet with a teacher? Students are allowed to leave all support classes to retake

an assessment or have a meeting with teachers provided they have been given a pass by the requesting teacher.

Additional Areas Supported by the Tutorial Staff

CAHSEE Prep Test proctoring ASPIRE Saturday Morning Club

Algebra Success Grade Sr. Project proposals Sr. Project consultants Sr. Defense panels Sr. Board judges Grading research papers at

all levels Summer registration Schedule distribution

Library Assistant Advisories Course Level Team Meetings Grade Level Team Meetings Club Advisors Coaching Sports supervision Field trip/dance chaperones College For Me Camp Lead Highlander Camp Scottie Pride

Contacts

Program Supervisor:• Judith Kirk

o Extension 444 or jkirk@helixcharter.net

At Risk Support Program Specialist:• Teresa Rutherford

o Extension 316 or truther@helixcharter.net