Helix Communities

Helix Charter High School is committed to improving student learning. As part of a continued dialogue, teachers agree that the greatest impact to student learning occurs in the classroom.

This understanding led to discussion and action which sought to improve "how" teachers work.

Course Level Teams (CLTs)

o CLTs (similar to Richard Dufour's Professional Learning Communities) allow teachers to work as part of a small (mostly) discipline-based learning team.

• What is a Course Level Team? (CLT)
• Course Level Team -- The Process
• What are some of Helix's CLTs?
• What are some of the obstacles to the implementation of CLTs?

Extended Learning (ExL)

oThis course allows 9th grade students to study and complete homework, research projects, and reading necessary for other classes under the supervision of an adult aide. Students have the opportunity to practice a variety of learning skills that will be useful in all class settings. Students are expected to maintain a calendar or assignment sheet of all class work. All 9th students are assigned to ExL and are only released early when they demonstrate that they can maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above.

Highlander Camp

o This is an award-winning program, much different than traditional summer school.  It is open to all in-coming Helix students.  The program focuses on incoming 9th graders, identified by teachers, counselors, or parents as needing additional academic support or who have experienced difficulty with reading, writing, or math during the middle school years, may attend this 10-day camp.  Students may earn 5 credits if they are in attendance all 10 days and all requirements are met. For more information, please contact Judy Kirk at (619) 644-1940 ext. 444.

Tutorial

oThis will is a required course for all 10th through 12th grade students whose GPA falls below a 2.0.  This course allows students time to receive support in completing homework, researching projects, or preparing for quizzes/exams under the supervision of an adult tutor.  No letter grade is given for this non-credit course; however, students do earn a conduct grade.