Students who failed Algebra 1, geometry, and Algebra 2 during the first semester were changed math classes with different teachers and classes but remained in the same level of math. A mixture of students with good or bad grades were sent away or continued in the same class. About 300 students were transferred at the beginning of the second semester to new classes.

The main reason for the change was to give students a chance to pass while everything was fresh in their minds. It was also because there were way too many students behind credits. Usually students have to wait a year but now with the Spring Repeat program it won’t be time consuming and they will only need five credits during the summer.

Students received a notice sent home to their parents explaining the future changes. Teachers cautioned students of the consequences if they earned D’s or lower. The notice was sent at the beginning of March. It explained the current enrollment in the Spring Repeat math course is to make up the incomplete credits and master course principles necessary to pass the second semester. Students will also be pre-registered in Summer School if they do not pass the second semester. The letter will have the student’s and guardian’s signature to promise to attend class daily this spring and summer to complete the 5 elective credits the student failed and to comprehend that Summer School enrollment is required for students in Spring Repeat math courses.

Mr. Ernesto Garcia says it was a lot of work for the math department and counseling, especially for the counseling staff because they were in charge of the schedule changes. There have been no problems; everyone has been satisfied according to Garcia. “The math department, as well as everyone else, believed the change was necessary. Failure is not an option.” he said

Math teacher and chairman of the math department Mike Griffith thought it was best all the worst kids got out of the regular classes because with that “We will see a jump in the benchmark scores. I predict we will have the highest scores in the district across the board. There will be at least an increase of four points per student,” said Griffith.

Reginaldo Ramirez earned an F for the first semester in Mr. Trujillo’s class and is now in Mr. Griffith’s class. ‘‘I’m happy because this class is easy,” he said. Ramirez feels the change won’t make him work harder because he knows all the material.

According to Mr. Trujillo all math teachers received either new classes or new students. “Every math teacher had a change, students should be grateful they were given another chance,” said Trujillo

Mr. Mata received an entire new class. He says it is the best for students and that teachers are available for the learners. “This will benefit the students and enforce what they didn’t understand,” said Mata

Both Trujillo and Mata and all others have at least one tutorial session. Before and after school students can find a silent place to study, do homework, or clear their problems with math. The time varies from 7:00-7:45 in the morning and 3:00-4:00 in the afternoon.

Griffith feels there has been improvement. He thinks that it will work and it’s something that was needed for a long time.