East Haven High School - Pioneer Yearbook (East Haven, CT)

Page 10 text:

 Easties Do It If a student at East Haven High School were given the chance to revise the system, doing it over his way, what changes would he make? Before one can deal with this question, one must first realize the administrative changes which have already taken place between 1975 and 1979. Those four years marked the beginning of an academic revolution that would sweep the country. At East Haven the effects of this revolution were many and varied. Midterm and final exams became mandatory; half-year elective courses were replaced by English III for all juniors; four years of co-ed physical education were deemed necessary by the State of Connecticut; an optional after school lunch replaced a regular lunch period; and smoking was restricted to a fifteen minute break, which was incorporated into our schedules during our senior year. In a questionnaire distributed to senior English classes by the 1979 Pioneer Staff, the above changes were discussed and the following improvements were suggested. Very early in our high school years, we were faced with mandatory midterm and final exams. Although these ninety minute tests will surely help some of us to prepare for rigorous college examinations, those who will not be attending college argue about their purpose. Alternatives to these exams include: academic exemption, quarterly exams, or achievement tests. A program of academic exemption would excuse those students with an 85 average, or better from these tests. This system would motivate students to achieve better grades. Quarterly exams are easier to study for and permit the subject matter to be covered more intensely. Another opinion expressed in the questionnaires condemned mid-terms and finals Their Way as useless, because they register only how much was memorized for one test and not. the amount learned throughout the entire course. With this in mind, some felt the exam should be replaced by Standard Achievement Tests, established by the State of Connecticut or some other organization. These tests would not affect the students’ averages, but would serve as an indication of areas requiring improvement. At the core of the academic revolution is an emphasis on a return to the fundamentals of education. This emphasis is reflected in the curriculum through the now mandatory English III for all eleventh graders; the credits required for high school graduation; and the greater stress placed on SAT scores. Some resent having to take English III and wish to see half-year courses reinstated along with their Junior english. This would add variety to their knowledge of literature, while reinforcing the basic skills of grammar, vocabulary, and composition. In 1975, our graduation requirements were intensified and the number of credits needed was increased from sixteen to eighteen. The seniors who are not going to college feel they should be allowed to take only those courses they need for graduation credits. They would then receive early dismissals and be permitted to go to work. If this suggestion is not feasible, they feel that they should have permission to take fewer than five courses in their last year as previous classes have done. As for the SATs, after school courses are offered to help students prepare for this test. The Class of 1979 endured a physical education requirement which changed so much we could not keep up with it. At first, two years of physical education were mandatory, then three, and finally 6

Page 9 text:

N Xas tie TAfay John F. Kennedy, the youngest man ever elected to the presidency of the United States, influenced this country in “his way”. “If this nation is to grow in wisdom and strength, then every able high school graduate should have the opportunity to develop his talents.” East Haven High School has already guided many students on the right path through its numerous educational programs. Those possessing a talent for the fine arts leave our school at noon to start another series of classes at the Educational Center for the Arts (ECA) in New Haven. The businessmen of tomorrow have an opportunity to participate in this field due to the Distributive Education Club of America (DF.CA), which operates our school store. The work-study program permits students to earn credits for graduation while working. The High Interest Level Learning program (HILL) affords students work experience in various careers. This is designed to serve as an indication of the areas of interest, which may eventually lead to the selection of an occupation. The Alternative Education program allows students who hold a form of employment during the morning hours, an opportunity to attend classes during the afternoon. Independent study offers accepted applicants an extra course to broaden their background in a certain area of study. At the University of New Haven, the Outstanding Seniors Program enables a select few to begin their college education in the second semester of their senior year. Even though these programs seem totally different from each other, they work together to educate each and every student at East Haven High School. “Education cannot easily or widely be divided into separate parts. Each part is linked together.” After graduation, the title of Kennedy’s administration, “The New Frontier” might best describe what all Easties will be pursuing in the future. 5

Page 11 text:

the co-ed fourth year was added. This whole issue created both adverse and favorable reactions. Co-ed classes seem reasonable to most, but the four year requirement is opposed by all. The majority of those concerned agree that a compulsory two years, or even three years is reasonable, but they firmly believe gym should be a fourth year elective. Some argue about the injustice to this year’s seniors because previous classes enjoyed a less stringent two year requirement. Still other students expressed the belief that at seventeen or eighteen years of age, one is mature enough to monitor his own exercise intake. Without a doubt, this requirement has compelled students to rearrange their plan of courses, depriving them of two classes which may have been more beneficial to their education. In order to make gym more interesting, a variety of sports should be offered. For example; in the first quarter, a student should be allowed to choose from weightlifting, gymnastics, swimming or volleyball as his form of recreation, instead of reluctantly writing “PE” on his course selection sheet. This would also increase participation, because the student would be involved in a sport of his choice. In the absence of a regular lunch period, our school day ends at 1:05 p.m. Since there is no lunch period, the breakfast program has been a successful idea. Every morning the same “early birds” bite into their egg-a-muffins and sip from cartons of chocolate milk. For some, this is the only nutrition they will receive all day, although lunch is offered for those who remain after the bell for clubs or sports. The 1:05 dismissal is beneficial to everyone, espe- (continued on page 10) 7