Fort Madison High School - Madisonian Yearbook (Fort Madison, IA)

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LEARN NG---' pg-r TOP: Sunlight on a tuba produces an interesting ef- fect. ABOVE: Mr. McVey donates blood at the FMHS Bloodmobile while Michele Sorensen keeps blood from clotting. RIGHT: A longer haired, older Mr. Muel- ler illustrates the difference in five years. PHOTO BY: D. Fraise. BELOW: B. Thornburg. RIGHT: E. Fitzsimmons. as '-'- . .L f,,f.: . .mf .- .Qw r ,i i if Aff 1+ sl. , . ,Q 5 ,, - T :E .f.. xg :'i ' 1 ' Y liz . Q1 -7w.wg:3M.., -- r t nw -- T ' . V V , . D, ,... ,... , , , ,M 'fizafyz.i?fi9 ,f,Jff'w :gi .-., f ' li' 55' f y .F - . H . .' T T . s :ZW- M O 15 gr V - . .J Quiz- ,:z1-wqaitfwsf f f 42 ,if 4. m v V-. ll l l , l

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asing grades on student effort and capability, controversial ew system attempts to recognize individual differences approach, Robert Readshaw, secon- dary education director, said, We never told the teachers it would be easy. We are trying to reach every stu- dent and tell that student that you have to do this much work to recieve credit, and we will do our best to work for that student to see that he meets those requirements. According to Superintendent Max CINDY BLANCHARD, freshman: Not a whole unit, but l've had to take tests over. No because you just study for the test and forget it after you've taken it. ONE OF ITS PURPOSES IS TO GIVE STUDENTS MORE TIME TO MASTER WORK. DO YOU FEEL THAT THIS IS HAPPENING? RONDA BOECHER, junior: Yes, I do be- cause if you have to complete the unit over, there is no date that you must have it completed so there is more time to study the unit. MILTON EICHACKER, freshman: Well I can't say it really gives you more time but you do have to master your work be- fore you can go on. SANDY REDDEN, junior: No if they wanted to do work, they would do it anyway. CAROLYN NAPIER, senior: Definitely not. Most kids don't care if they get an incomplete. LORI LAMPE, freshman: No because if you get an incomplete on a unit, then you will be just as far behind on your next unit. MR. WALLERICH: They can master a certain amount of work to get credit for a course. It gives them more time, the deadlines aren't as rigid. Teachers are Redmond, the new system's goal is to abolish failure. He said that research has shown that 9096 of students can learn up to a level that only IOM, are reaching. He sees time as the factor which prevents many students from achieving their potential. Iowa Department of Public Instruc- tion regional consultant William Han- sen called the curriculum exemplary, too busy to give the amount of attention needed. HAS ANYONE ATTEMPTED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SYSTEM? MISS MACKIE: I don't let them take ad- vantage of it. If a teacher works individ- ually with each student, I think that an understanding can be reached on what will or won't be accepted in the class. MR. WALLERICH: Yes, by delaying or trying to find out what test questions are and then retaking them. MR. BOWEN: No, not really. Some have delayed completion of a project or as- signment, but I do not feel this was due to the system. WHAT SUGGESTIONS COULD YOU MAKE WHICH WOULD IMPROVE THE SYSTEM? MR. BOWEN: Resource areas for those students who need extra help or make- up work-staffed by a qualified teacher who is available when students need the help: a look at testing procedures to minimize cheating. MR. WALLERICH: Paid time in the sum- mer to come up with alternate tests. Giv- ing the same test is not good, but there isn't enough time now. MISS MOORE: It was a good theory but either we haven't got the kinks out, or the rules haven't been explained to me. both in philosophy and action. Within the high school the much pub- Iicized plan prompted a wide variety of reactions. The following poll records some of the many opinions: The system needs to clearly define the teachers' and students' responsibilities. It tries to put individualized work into standard classes. Failure is a part of life. We seem to be encouraging irrespon- sibility and avoidance of reality. HAVE YOU EVER RECEIVED AN IN- COMPLETE GRADE BECAUSE A CLASS DID NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT EQUIPMENT OR TIME FOR YOU TO COMPLETE WORK? KAREN DICKEY, junior: Because the teacher was too busy with Athletics and did not have time to grade papers until after grades went out. PAM BALMER, senior: Yes, some classes don't have any books. CAN YOU SEE AN IMPROVEMENT IN STUDENT WORK THIS YEAR? DO YOU FEEL THAT THIS WILL OCCUR OR CONTINUE TO OCCUR AS PEOPLE AD- JUST TO THE SYSTEM? MR. McVEY: Yes-I expect a long term improvement in student attitude BUT for a real effect, teaching methods must change. Our present class design ham- pers the changes needed. MISS MACKIE: No, after one semester, I don't think it's long enough to see the difference. Opinion 25

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