The boost of Early Start for D218 freshmen

More than 550 freshmen in District 218 this summer spent two weeks at their new schools getting ready for ninth grade. Test results once again revealed their parents, who volunteered the freshmen for the bridge program Early Start, chose wisely.

To measure the effects of Early Start, the district administers pre- and post-tests in English, science, and geography. Freshmen posted gains across the board

District 218 students posted an average gain of 2% on their English exams. The biggest gains, however, appeared on the science and geography tests.

On average, students improved 9% on geography exams and more than 15% on science exams.

Teachers believe Early Start gives freshmen an advantage.

“I believe that the Early Start program is great for incoming freshman because it helps to alleviate stress about entering high school,” said science teacher Tarek Cattan. “Early Start alleviates academic stress because students enter high school with a level of familiarity with the topics they are going to learn. It also alleviates the social anxiety about entering high school, as they have already met a handful of their classmates before their first day even begins.”

The transition from eight to ninth grade challenges students with new academic expectations, social order, unfamiliar teachers, a much larger school, and different classmates. Nationally, more students fail a class as high school freshmen than any other year of school.

“I think Early Start works because of the teachers involved. They are dedicated and want to make it the best experience for the kids. They want them to not only learn a few things, but give them a familiar face and have that camp-like experience. Students should be enrolled because it gives them a leg up on not only that first day, but throughout their whole first year,” said science teacher Geri Kizior.

These videos offer a great look at how teachers help new students with the transition to high school.

Here, Eisenhower teacher Sarina Kledzik leads an ice breaker, borrowing from her experience directing
drama productions:

Here, Shepard High School Associate Principal Jennifer Pollack introduces students to elective courses, tutoring services, and their new iPads:

Finally, Richards High School teacher Tarek Cattan leads this lab activity in which students constructed terrariums and measured the growth of plants: