There may be no better way of determining student interest in new courses at Ridgefield High School than to invite the students to develop the concepts for the courses and suggest them themselves.
That seems to be the case for four proposed new courses at the high school — three-dimensional architecture for technology students, Advanced Placement music theory for choral students, history of fashion design, and introduction to sociology.
The Board of Education is expected to vote on whether to approve the new courses at its next meeting, Jan. 8.
“The great majority actually come from student requests or staff requests, which 99% of the time generate from the student requests,” said Dr. Stacey Gross, principal of Ridgefield High School.
Gross addressed the Board of Education on the new course proposals during a meeting at Town Hall Annex Dec. 14.
Letting students develop the concepts for the courses they want is good for the educational process.
“The students feel positive and reinforced,” Gross said. “They feel people have listened. It’s a positive place to move forward.”
It’s always exciting to introduce new courses.
“This is an exciting time for us, as we bring new ideas forward to you,” Gross told the school board members.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Baldwin saluted Gross and her staff for the new ideas, and said the courses would reach a variety of students.
“We’re really excited about the work underway, about planning for the future and being responsible for the bigger picture, planning for the needs of all learners,” Baldwin said.
Course ideas also come from state graduation requirements, district grade requirements, and changes in the Advanced Placement curriculum, Gross said. It’s always good to see ideas come from the students themselves because courses are actually run only if enough students sign up. The school usually looks for anywhere from 18 to 22 students to run a course, she said.
“If students don’t register for a class, it doesn’t get run,” Gross said.
The only time courses disappear is if they no longer meet requirements or nobody signs up for them.
“The courses we present really reach a range of all students, at all different skills, all different challenge levels, to meet as many students as possible,” Gross said.
The courses
Fashion Design: Art, History, Life — Students are engaged in a hands-on environment that allows them to explore the design process, textiles, and the ever-growing fashion industry. They explore the history of apparel design and its transformation from function to style. They demonstrate knowledge in drawing, computer-aided design and garment construction.
Advanced Placement Music Theory — A yearlong course of introductory college music theory that covers theory, musicianship, musical materials, and procedures. Musicianship skills include dictation, sight-singing and keyboard harmony. Notational skills, speed, and fluency with basic materials are emphasized.
3-D Architecture — Students develop custom home designs using professional 3D software. Students create detailed interior and landscaping plans and introduce green-renewable energy concepts.
Introduction to Sociology — An elective for juniors and seniors. Challenges students to think critically about the society they live in, analyzing gender, crime, race, ethnicity, and religion. Helps build communication, critical thinking, creativity, and innovative use of technology.
The post Students behind new course proposals appeared first on The Ridgefield Press.