Transitions Academy

 

The Transitions Academy has been created to give struggling students the opportunity to extend their exposure to core subject areas necessary for completion of the Michigan graduation requirements.  Beginning with the class of 2011, graduates must gain the following credit:

  • Mathematics: 4 Credits including Algebra, Geometry and Algebra II

  • Science: 3 Credits including Biology and Physics or Chemistry

  • Social Studies: 3 Credits including US History, World History, Government and Economics, and Geography

  • Language Arts: 4 Credits

  • Fine Arts: 1 Credit

  • Physical Education: .5 Credit

  • Health: .5 Credit

  • One On-line Learning Experience

Although most of these requirements are in line with current Reeths-Puffer graduation requirements, the need to achieve credit in Algebra II and Chemistry or Physics is a big step for some students.  Students who struggle with the transition to high school from middle school are in particular danger of failing higher end math and science classes.  For many of these students, reading technical texts hinders their ability to comprehend the material.
 

With this in mind, the high school and middle school collaborated to create the Transitions Academy.  This program has three components; 8th grade math and literacy support, the Summer Math and Literacy Institute, and 9th grade math and literacy support. Students who choose to participate in the Transitions Academy will benefit from the following supports:

  

8th Grade:

Math Success Class: This class runs in conjunction with the student's regular math class and provides them with targeted instruction in the math concepts most important for Algebra readiness.
 

Read 180 Class: This class is double blocked with the language arts class to provide the student with small group and computer added instruction to build specific and essential reading skills. The focus of the class to help struggling readers catch up to grade level.
 

The Summer Math and Literacy Institute:

Algebra Readiness: Part of the instructional time will be spent hitting essential High School Content Expectations necessary for students to become proficient in Algebra.
 

Read 180: Instruction in this program will be a continuation of previous instruction for students entering from 8th grade or an introduction to the program for those new to the course.
 

9th Grade:

Algebra Support Class: This class runs in conjunction with the student's Algebra class and provides them with targeted instruction in the math concepts most important for Algebra success.
 

Read 180: This class is double blocked with the language arts class to provide the student with small group and computer added instruction to build specific and essential reading skills. The focus of the class to help struggling readers catch up to grade level.
 

This transitional intervention is meant to provide an expanded opportunity for struggling students to engage in the rigorous and relevant course work. The Summer Institute is a fee based program with reduced fees and scholarships available for students with demonstrated financial need.
 

Reeths-Puffer is excited to offer this transitional program to our students.  If you are interested in finding out more about the program, please contact the Educational Services Building, Office of the Superintendent through the directory in this web site.