Strategies for Student Success

Below you will find a variety of strategies and interventions we have in place at McLean to ensure the success of all students. Though not comprehensive, this list represents input and practices from a cross-section of staff, including classroom teachers, counselors and administrators.

We sincerely hope that you will take advantage of these suggestions. More importantly, you as the parent have a responsibility of ensuring that your son/daughter is practicing good study habits at home. In addition, encourage him/her to talk with the teachers to see what must be done to bring up low grades. Please contact your student's counselor, teacher(s) and/or administrators to discuss further.

· Teachers / counselors / administrators hold conferences with parents and students on an ongoing basis to discuss class performance, student issues and strategies for success.

· Individual teachers regularly remain after school on late bus days (and often more frequently) to assist students who are struggling in their classes.

· The Teacher Leadership Grant Team members work on a continual basis to focus staff efforts (through Professional Learning Community settings) toward improving academic success.

· Professional School Counselors offer "Student Success Seminars" school wide, and encourage students with Ds and Fs to participate. These are weekly seminars taught by counselors during Friday Professional Learning time. Topics include organizational skills, study skills, test-taking strategies, etc.

· Counselors meet with students to discuss specific academic issues throughout the year. A special focus is placed on seniors who are most in danger of not graduating.

· This year, McLean HS has implemented a school wide emphasis on attendance, which directly impacts the D-F students in many cases. A 15 day absence list provides supplemental information for counselors and administrators.

· Remediation classes are taught for students who have not passed SOL classes. The school’s Assessment Coach is coordinating these sessions.

· Letters are sent home on a quarterly basis to seniors who have Ds and Fs. Included in the letters are invitations to contact counselors for help.

· Counselors implement a variety of individualized written plans / contracts / interim & quarterly checklists with struggling students.

· Two lunch programs, the Walk-In Study Center and Lunch & Learn, are run by students as a peer tutoring assistance initiative.

· An after-school program (The Lounge), funded by the Safe Community Coalition, provides study space for students who are riding late buses.