by Deja Taylor and Deja Robertson
To improve student achievement and standardized test scores, the school leadership team replaced directed study with Above and Beyond Class Time.
ABC Time is a 30-minute study period after fifth block for students to study, complete homework, get tutoring or extra help from teachers, make up missed assignments and receive remediation for the SOLs.
Coordinator of assessment and remediation Paige Lasky helped to develop ABC Time.
“[ABC Time] needed to be a clear cut change so that you knew this was a structured and a very important time for you,” Ms. Lasky said.
Expectations for students during ABC Time are displayed on posters in all classrooms. They include requesting permission to travel prior to ABC time, using laptops for academic purposes only and remaining in the ABC classroom for the entire period. Students can report to other classrooms Tuesday through Friday with each day having a designated travel priority.
Principal Ann Marie Seely participated in the development of a structured study program at Pocahontas Middle School as associate principal. The study program included study time and small group mentoring. Mrs. Seely said students came to expect structure during their study time.
“It’s about change, and it will smooth out eventually,” Mrs. Seely said.
In her meetings with staff during the summer, Mrs. Seely said that teachers requested changes to directed study.
English teacher Ashley Matheny said grades and test scores will improve if teachers and students continue to use ABC Time to their advantage.
“There were a lot of students who weren’t using it appropriately. They weren’t using it as a study time; they were using it as a social time, and so I think that’s the biggest change that we have seen with the new ABC Time is that it is now a study time,” Ms. Matheny said.
Junior Tiffani Taylor said she uses ABC Time to complete projects for clubs, improve her grades and get to know her teachers.
“I think it’s a good opportunity to work with your teachers and get your grades up, but I don’t really see how it’s different from directed study,” Tiffani said.
Sophomore Marcus Smith said he studies for upcoming tests during ABC Time.
“It’s kind of boring, but also gives you free time to do your homework,” Marcus said.
Social studies teacher Larry Roberson said the more students study the more successful they will be.
“It’s like sports: the more you practice a sport the better you are,” Mr. Roberson said.
Domonique Butler, administrative intern, said ABC Time is an opportunity for all students to be successful.
“I like ABC Time because it’s just more time for me to make a better me,” Ms. Butler said.
Recent Comments