Some freshmen getting iPads is not news anymore, but the price of the iPads may be news to some.
Students signed up for the iPads as part of the Academic Leadership Academy, a new school-within-a-school idea designed to accelerate a standard high school education. The program starts in middle school and continues throughout high school. To get into the program the students must have good grades, three teacher recommendations, and write a paper about their reasoning to be in the program.
The program gives ninth graders a chance to earn college credit but the catch is they have to work at a college level.
Freshman Chapel Johnson said, “It’s hard. We have a lot of in-depth work and have to study hard for the tests.”
Johnson echoes the sentiments of many in the program.
It seems the hard work involved has been over shadowed by the use of iPads which has led to some controversy. Many upper classmen feel the freshmen are getting special attention by receiving the iPads. On the other hand, the freshmen in the Academic Leadership Academyfeel they deserve the iPads.
Academic Administrator Anne Pillow said, “The students were given pads as resources so they can take an idea, research it, and do something with it.”
So far the easy access to technology has eased the work load a little.
Freshman Alec Mason says, “I like having the iPads. It makes things a lot easier for me and it is a good way to use the technology available.”
One course required as part of the program is AP World Geography, a college course offered to 13-14 year olds.
Coach Scott Stogner teaches one of the AP World Geography classes.
Stogner said, “I think they will pass the class itself, but it will be a challenge passing the AP exam. Either way, it is a great experience for the students.”
Some students such as freshman Nicole Manzi found the program a lot more challenging and decided to not be a part of it.
“It was really hard in science. I was confused at the beginning and worried about my grades for the future. I am still in the AP World Geography class, but because I dropped the science class I don’t have my iPad anymore,” said Manzi.
The students are only allowed to keep the iPad if they stay in the program and all of the classes. At the end of their senior year, they can buy the iPad for a reduced price.
Advanced Physical science teacher Rob Schiferl said, “My class is challenging, especially for people with lower math experience. The class is also challenging because of the addition of the other ALA classes. I don’t think the kids expected as much work.” The ALA program not only challenges the students in school, but helps improve their character. The students have a special leadership class in the tenth grade, plus each student is required to do community service.
The program is demanding for the students so far, but Mr. Ross is going in the right direction. He wants to make Chapin the best it can be and this program might be the start of it. Mr. Schiferl said, “The program is staying at CHS. The most important thing is just getting use to it.”
