Keeping Kids Motivated Pays Off

When state test scores came out a couple months back, the first thing on Artemisa Cortez's mind was how to keep her students engaged so they would do just as well, if not better, next year.

Well, maybe that was the principal's second thought. The first was joy.

The continuation high school nestled between berry fields and the Monterey Bay coastline saw its students state API test scores jump 72 points from 2010 to 2011.

"I was really proud to see our scores," Cortez said.

Her school's score of 728 outpaced both (652) and (664), the two schools where most Renaissance students come from.

Cortez said the marks "show students that they are intelligent. They've gone through some experiences that cause them to fall behind in credits."

Teens enrolled in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District land at Renaissance because they are credit deficient and at risk of not meeting graduation requirements. Most get their transcripts back in the black, then transfer back to their original school to graduate, so some of Renaissance's students stats—like graduation rates and how many go to college—appear bleaker than they should.

But the API scores, which assesses the academic performance and growth of schools on a variety of academic measures, provide a clear picture of how the school is helping students succeed.

Cortez attributes the success a variety of efforts by the school and, of course, to the students themselves. An after school math class three days a week preps kids for assessment tests. Teachers, who are cross-trained as counselors, are constantly motivating students to be on time and ready to learn. During the testing periods, school bells are turned off and students get a snack.

Math teacher Pat DeMera, whose been at Renaissance for 7 years, said he didn't think students were aware of their improvement. He attributed the growth to students being placed at the right class for their level, so they're not left behind.

Also, class sizes at Renaissance are small——and there is a strong focus on vocational programs. Teens can take a gardening class, learn photography in a darkroom and study construction tech.

"I think our students do best when they have classes that are hands-on," said Cortez, who would like to add a criminal justice class next.

One fall afternoon, longtime Renaissance High teacher Meg Ray was helping a group of students with their capstone projects and portfolios.

"When they graduate, they have a complete portfolio they can use for jobs, college and scholarships," Ryan said. "They feel empowered because everything they're doing is for the future." Ryan said the project encompasses multiple disciplines—math, writing and computers—which prepares students for both the state tests and future employment or education.

"When you're doing a process like this, it's all embedded in the scaffolding," Ryan said. "It's also good for their egos... It's multi-layered."

Throughout campus—not just Ryan's class—Renaissance are encouraged to try succeed. Cortez pinned motivational banners in the courtyard during test time, then decided the bright, vinyl posters are worth keeping up because preparing students for testing is a year-round endeavor at Renaissance.

"I'm just here to motivate the students," Cortez said with a smile.