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After spending last year as the oldest and wisest in middle school, thousands of Greenville County students are about to find themselves at the bottom again as high school freshmen. It's a change that can be tough on egos and social standing. It can also take a toll on grades, attendance and discipline — and a student's chances of earning a diploma. "Having a successful freshman year is essential because it sets the foundation," said Dr. Charles Love, dean of the College of Education at the University of South Carolina Upstate. "But some students are still in that middle school mode and not really ready emotionally to do what needs to be done." Six Greenville County high schools will share a $2 million federal grant over the next three years to expand or start freshman academies — a school within the school where ninth-graders are segregated from older students for part or all of their school day. Mauldin, J.L. Mann, Berea, Travelers Rest, Wade Hampton and Hillcrest high schools are a part of the grant. "Any time you can do things to help make a large school a smaller learning community, it increases students' chances for success," said Thomas Riddle, who heads Mauldin High's freshman academy. The schools will use the money to help train teachers on techniques that are most effective in reaching at-risk youth, "and ninth-graders in general across the board are the most at-risk of all grade levels," Riddle said. The academies will use the grant to start in-school suspension programs, conduct in-depth orientation programs to tell students and parents what to expect, offer parent classes on adolescents and disciplinary techniques, add or expand after-school programs and tutoring and expand writing and reading labs, said Jason McCreary, research director for the school district. "There's a concern not just in Greenville, but nationwide, that ninth grade traditionally has failed some of our students," McCreary said. Love and other educators point to several reasons freshmen struggle. Some say it's the size of the school. Freshmen worry they won't have any of their friends in their classes. They worry about getting lost and looking foolish in front of older students. They worry they won't fit in. Others say it's the tougher academic expectations coupled with stricter attendance rules. And some say it's the increased freedom — both at school and at home — and a lack of study skills, time management skills and discipline. |