Central High teachers give more details on advisory periods for struggling students

Cape Girardeau Central High School teachers on Monday described using intensive advisory periods for failing students and community-service projects.

Three Central teachers gave a presentation about those initiatives during the school board's special work session Monday.

In the first semester Central used advisory periods, the school decreased the number of failing grades by 3.4 percent, according to Central assistant principal Leigh Ragsdale.

The number of failing grades in math decreased by 11 percent, she said.

Central teachers Julie Stausing, Theresa Taylor and Micah Janzow gave more detailed descriptions of their advisory periods.

Each week, they start with grade checks for each of their students.

All three teachers also use different versions of study methods and individual instruction for students.

Stausing changes up the formula Friday with what she calls Circle of Love, which encourages student discussion. During this time, she has lined up guest speakers.

"They're sacred to me," Stausing said of her Friday advisory periods.

Stausing and Janzow said they have had older students volunteer to tutor younger students during advisory periods.

Taylor has focused more on building relationships with her students, some of whom come from difficult home situations.

"I want to sit with all my kids," Taylor said. "You're an advocate for the kid. You're encouraging them to talk to that teacher; learn what they hadn't learned previously."

Ragsdale said advisory periods have allowed students to engage in groups and community projects.

Students have used advisory periods to participate in grab-and-go and backpack programs, both of which are charitable endeavors serving underprivileged students.

Responding to a question from board member Lynn Ware, Janzow said truant students are incorporated into assigned advisory periods.

Assistant principal Nancy Sheller said advisory periods have given struggling students a foundation.

"No matter what, they're still our kids," Janzow said.

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Pertinent address: 301 N. Clark St., Cape Girardeau, MO