Promising Practices

Bowling Green Junior High School

GEAR UP Summer Academy at Bowling Green Technical College

Bowling Green Junior High School and Bowling Green Technical College (BGTC) offer a one-week Summer Academy designed to promote awareness of postsecondary options and provide knowledge and skills in a variety of settings. Students are highly engaged in hands-on activities which promote use of information learned in school, i.e. algebra, science, technology, etc. This collaborative effort affords the opportunity for students and their parents to see "first hand" the opportunities for course work at BGTC, learn admission requirements, and available financial aide opportunities.

Students are engaged in activities such as culinary arts, robotics, carpentry, photography or work skills math. During the lunch hour, BGJHS teachers provided remediation instruction in math as well as development of workplace skills. Students not only gain self-confidence, but a realization of the connection of school to future options.

The culminating activity is a luncheon prepared by BGJHS students in the culinary arts session. Parents attend; meet with BGTC staff to learn course offerings, financial aide and admissions requirements. Demonstrations and displays of the week's work are provided. Each student receives a certificate of achievement.

Students, who have attended the Summer Academy, have gained a 1.14 grade point average for the first nine weeks of the 2002-3 school year compared to 2001-2. Many of these students are enrolled in the "first ever" BGJHS Earth Science class for high school credit. The students are willing to put forth the extra effort in the eighth grade in order to reach a higher level of science skills thus opening opportunities at the high school. This academy could be a life changing experience for these students.

Registration and classroom materials are paid through GEAR UP funding. Most BGTC faculty offers their time during the week without direct compensation. The registration fees are available for the faculty "programs", not individual pay.

Standards and Indicators for Success:

• The school works with families to remove barriers to learning in an effort to meet the intellectual, social, career, and developmental needs of students
  
  
• The school functions as an effective learning community and supports a climate conducive to performance excellence
  
  
• Teachers communicate regularly about student progress
  
  
• Families are active partners in the educational process and work together to promote services for all students
  
  

Contact Information:

Mary Higgins, Ed.S., LPCC
Bowling Green Jr. High School
900 Campbell Lane
Bowling Green, KY 42104
(270) 746-2290
Fax: (270) 746-2297
mhiggins@b-g.k12.ky.us