Alliance for College-Ready
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Going to College for High School
The premier class of Heritage College-Ready Academy High School has the unique experience of spending the first weeks of the semester going to school on the campus of Cal State University, Dominguez Hills.
Whether discussing photosynthesis in biology or debating the meaning of a poem in English, classes attended by Heritage’s 205 ninth graders look and sound like any in the College-Ready high school network. But when the students move from one class to another, they join the collegiate atmosphere of CSUDH. It adds to the learning experience, according to Principal Harry “Doc” Ervin. “Our students see role models on a daily basis, students like them who worked hard, often live in the same neighborhoods, and now are successful college students,” he says.
Students arrive by bus daily. Instruction by the nine teachers, who all meet current NCLB requirements as highly qualified, occurs on a two-hour block schedule in classes that average 25:1 or better. This year’s Heritage school site will be ready for occupancy by December 1st. There’s no sign that academics have suffered by this temporary collegiate location. More than 50% of the students are earning A’s and B’s. Teachers are available for tutoring after school; some offer help during lunch. Daily attendance is above the 93% level.
Most students have learned the value of a quick step as they navigate the large campus between classes. “Power walking can be necessary to get to class on time,” explains Mr. Ervin with a smile. “ It’s not an optimal situation, but it has built personal responsibility. We have an honor system here, unlike traditional high schools where teachers propel latecomers down the halls. Heritage students are monitors for themselves. And our classes begin at the bell.”
The Alliance and the entire community expresses its heartfelt thanks to the CSUDH faculty and Dr. Alan Mori, CSUDH Provost, whose generosity and commitment to the community made this opportunity possible.
