Small Learning Communities: Home
Mr. Theodore Peters, Principal, Vineland High School North Campus, 856-794-6800, ext. 2700
As of September 2008, Vineland High School made a major transformation unlike any we have seen in recent history. No longer is our high school configured as a 9-10 building and an 11-12 building. No longer are classes a mere 40 minutes in length. No longer are students unchallenged in "general" level courses. No longer are students part of such a large institution that they are not known by other students and teachers. No longer are parents and students going "unnoticed" in our school without the opportunity to know at least one professional member of the school extremely well over all four years of high school. No longer will students take academic courses that are not centered around student interests.
We have joined all other Abbott school districts in the following changes as part of our State's Secondary Education Initiative:
- the establishment of small learning communities (SLCs) containing no more than 400 students, each with students of grades 9 through twelve; and
- SLCs will be theme-based, with students and staff given the opportunity to elect an SLC of their choice.
Small Learning Communities are an organizational tool used to personalize a large school. Its organization supports student development as well as academic growth over multiple years. Teachers and students work cooperatively and collaboratively in developing a wholesome teaching and learning environment.
Students in all SLCs receive core content area courses in mathematics, English, social studies, and science. These courses prepare all for admission into college as well as for entrance into the world of work.
SLC elective courses are not requirements for entrance into college; rather they expose students to options within a career focus in an effort to assist them in making more informed occupational/professional/vocational choices.
As of September, 2008, our middle schools and high schools will be transformed in accordance with the state-mandated Secondary Education Initiative standards (SEI). The following changes will be included as part of this mandate:
- Small Learning Communities
- Student and Family Advocacy Program
- A Rigorous Academic Program of Study
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