Enriching Students was introduced last year as an effective way for students to get homework or study support everyday. Some students have concerns about the effectiveness of it.
Mr. Biggs, the Vice Captain of Enriching Students says, “We had a whole process by which we got staff to agree to Enriching Students. We had guiding coalitions and committees, and teacher input about whether or not we should implement this tool.”
Enriching Students began in 2011, when the company was asked to develop software for one high school to help with their daily flex block. Since then, the system has grown to help over 100 schools around the nation.
Enriching students was decided upon by faculty, including teachers, committees, and the principals and assistant principals. Numerous surveys were taken about what needs to be done with what used to be called “Tutorial” to improve it. All the input from all the teachers was taken into consideration and a program was found that can answer these requests.
Mr. Biggs says, “The biggest thing teachers wanted was accountability: they wanted to be able to know where students were. They also wanted the opportunity to schedule students into their Wolverine Plus.”
The faculty at Aliso Niguel High School saw the benefits it would bring students by organizing their day-to-day schedule and getting them the help they may need. Before the Enriching Students program, difficulties arose trying to keep track of students, making sure they were where they were supposed to be. Additionally, students who needed to make up tests or quizzes often didn’t go to that class because there was no consequence for not showing.
Asal Flodius (12) says, “I like the idea of Enriching Students because it makes me feel organized. I just don’t like that I have to pick all of my classes the week before and I can only change it between 7:30 and 8:30 in the morning.”
Many students have found the small time frame of switching classes to be frustrating. However, classes must be locked in by 8:30 am every morning so that each teacher has an accurate roll sheet to check for students everyday. Additionally, all substitute teachers need a roll sheet printed out, therefore, students have a small window to switch classes.
Students still have the opportunity to switch their class but they must make that decision before school starts as opposed to right before.
Mariam Taheri (12) says, “I feel like the website and app has crashed many times and it makes me hesitant to schedule early in the morning right before school.”
The Enriching Students app does not work anymore; students must be on a browser to get to the scheduling site.
Mr. Biggs says, “Instead of having the whole school schedule for Enriching Students at the same time on Mondays, we have split it up into two groups, similar to how the pep rallies operate.”
Although many students have concerns regarding Enriching Students, faculty is trying their best; things come up and “[they’re] adjusting as [they] go.” Patience is appreciated.
Enriching Students is ultimately about helping teachers and administrators schedule students for flex time, take attendance, create special offerings, manage reports, and more. Students are still getting used to this newer system, although it will take some time.
