Middle School Program
The Howard School, Middle School, follows the Fulton County Curriculum. The small class size of 10 students or less, allows the teacher personal hands-on time making the class time very conducive to learning. As a result, there is little need for the traditional hours of homework that many of the students have experienced in the past. Since homework should ideally be the independent practice of newly acquired educational skills, drill and kill is definitely not part of the curriculum.
In larger classroom settings, lecture is the most efficient way to teach. The smaller class sizes allow the teachers to facilitate hands-on learning. Whether using manipulatives in math to solve algebraic equations, taking care of the habitat of bearded dragons, or building a waterfall to connect two outdoor ponds, the students are actively involved in their own learning. Since most of our students struggle with issues due to ADD or ADHD, the mental as well as physical strain of staying focused can make for a tiring day. As a result, the academic subjects are only taught in the morning.
In the afternoon, students choose two classes on a Monday/Wednesday, Tuesday/Thursday time frame called electives. Students choose from a wide variety of electives and exploratories, giving them the opportunity to pursue personal interests and explore new opportunities. These courses include Co-op work experiences, Promotional Art, Drama, Culinary Arts, Yearbook, Forensics, Computer Exploration, Carpentry, Multicultural Art, Photography, Ethics/Debate, Drivers Education, Aviation/Space, Cheerleading, Mountain Biking, Jewelry-Making, Fencing, Bowling, Basketball, Baseball, Soccer, Cross Country, Swimming, Personal Fitness, and Volleyball.
Read more about this topic: The Howard School (United States)
Famous quotes containing the words middle, school and/or program:
“Angry men and furious machines
Swarm from the little blue of the horizon
To the great blue of the middle height.”
—Wallace Stevens (1879–1955)
“Children in home-school conflict situations often receive a double message from their parents: “The school is the hope for your future, listen, be good and learn” and “the school is your enemy. . . .” Children who receive the “school is the enemy” message often go after the enemy—act up, undermine the teacher, undermine the school program, or otherwise exercise their veto power.”
—James P. Comer (20th century)
“The twelve Cells for Incorrigibles ... are also carved out of the solid rock hill. On the walls of one of the cells human “liberty” is clearly inscribed, with the “liberty” in significant quotation marks.”
—Administration in the State of Ariz, U.S. public relief program (1935-1943)