While a large percentage of Coronado High School graduates go to college, the leadership team is implementing new math courses and other ways to prepare students for college and career readiness.
Coronado High School Principal Karin Mellina and CUSD Lead Counselor Kristen Ereno reported on the new classes and a different approach to course planning for students at the school board meeting on Nov. 16.
Mellina said that 90% of the 2023 CHS graduates are in college, but there is a decrease in enrollment for the current school year as she presented College and Career Readiness Indicators data to the board.
Some of the work taking place includes implementing new engineering design and development, Advanced Integrated Math II and III classes, and a support class for Integrated Math I, she said.
Meet Xello, an online planning platform
Mellina said the high school has 17 additional courses that received state approval.
According to Ereno, the school expects to roll out Xello, an online platform to help students plan and meet college and career preparation, by the end of this year.
“This really is a platform that is all encompassing…they’re able to plan out their A-G courses, it tracks for students, counselors, and parents to know where they are on the college track,” said Ereno. “They can do multiple assessments from career interest inventories, to personality tests, to learning styles to really help curate and suggest some career options for them based on their strengths and interests. So we are excited about this.”
Among school site celebrations were the increase of students completing one of the 14 Career Technical Education Pathways, earning the State Seal of Biliteracy and State Seal of Civic Engagement, and meeting or exceeding ELA, Mathematics and Science state assessments, with percentages above the statewide average.
Update on 4X4 schedule
Regarding continuation of the 4×4 bell schedule, now in its third year, Mellina said more kids are taking less “off roll” periods, which means a full schedule for students.
One slide presented to the board compared last year and this year’s Term 2, and it showed the number of students taking four classes has moved from 57% to 64%.
Meanwhile, sequenced courses in Mathematics, World Language, and Science show steady growth, added Mellina.
The school expects to host the second annual College and Career Day in January and other college-related programming throughout the Spring.
In other matters:
- The board approved a new job description for Teacher on Special Assignment.
- The board adopted Resolution 23-11-01 to receive state funding for preschool program operations at Silver Strand and Village Elementary schools with more than $400,000 in anticipated revenues, according to district records.
- The board approved a one-time retirement stipend with guidelines to encourage early notice from certified and classified employees that may facilitate job opening postings.
- The board took no action on an item discussed in the executive session relating to legal counsel.
- The board extended its congratulations to CIF champions at the high school and Superintendent Karl Mueller expressed holiday greetings as CUSD schools will begin Thanksgiving Recess for the week of November 20.
The next regular board meeting, an annual organizational meeting, is set for 4 p.m. on Dec. 14 at the District Office.
