[Counselors] Questions 1. Math class 2. help with student

Fri Feb 21 08:26:21 CST 2014

1. We offer Math Finance as our 4th math after Algebra 1, Geom, and Alg 2 if the student is not comfortable in Precalculus, Math Analysis, or Calculus. It doesn't aid on the ACT or on EOI math retakes nor does it prep them for college algebra, but it does give them the 4th math for local requirements.

2. Do you have a peer mediation program at your school? This is a process that usually helps when we have drama kids. There is something about someone else their age having to play referee in their drama that helps
sort and organize reality. I would venture to guess it is the idea that "If 'these people who are my age' know how to resolve conflict than I should do everything I can to learn about communication as well."

If no mediation class, then have you used a "Self-Awareness Wheel" that covers the areas of keeping the issue central by exploring the spokes of facts, feelings, thoughts, personal involvement, wants for both sides and individuals, and structured plan of solution involving both parties participation. Make the student walk through the wheel and take the time to think about each area as opposed to just react. Give her a wheel to keep and use when you aren't there. Emotions have no brains so they need not be in charge of the decisions. Let the emotions be the caboose rather than the driving engine. The wheel will pull the issue to the forefront and let the frontal lobe play its role of rational thought in the mess as opposed to the amygdala hi-jacking the hypothalamus arguing over who gets to lead. Teach her to ask the questions that "force" rational thought. Only one spoke on the wheel is feelings based which shows that feelings are important but not dominant. Use questions to lead her to conclusions of her involvement. (I'm sure you have already done so...but that's all I have for you without knowing more.)

Dana Martin
Guymon HS
dana.martin at guymontigers.com<mailto:dana.martin at guymontigers.com>

We offer an Algebra III class.  This class is for students who want/need a math past Algebra II but are not ready for Pre-Calculus.  The students do well in it and while I do not have data on remediation and that class, I do not believe they have to take remedial courses in college.  We had several girls a few years ago (9th & 10th graders) that stirred up drama on a regular basis, so I did a group with them one day a week after
school.  I sent out letters saying they were chosen because teachers/administrators thought they would be able to make an impact on improving communication skills, lessening bullying, etc. in the school.  I
had 2 -11th grade "plants" and 2- 12th grade "plants" in the group.  I recruited them because they were great role models for these younger girls and were never in trouble (as opposed to the 9th/10th graders).  We used the curriculum from the Salvaging Sisterhood book.  I pretty much just sat back and let my older girls take over.  It was great.  We started it in October and the drama was pretty much over by December.  We continued the group into the next year because the girls wanted it, but we only lasted the first semester, because they really didn't need it anymore.  Even though my older girls were not drama queens, it was a good experience for them as well.  And the 9th graders LOVED that these well-respected 12th graders would say Hi to them in the halls.

Gayle DuBois
Grove High School
gdubois at ridgerunners.net<mailto:gdubois at ridgerunners.net>

At my last school, we offered Math Analysis I & II.

Kay Gilchrist
Academy Elementary
Guymon Public Schools

kay.gilchrist at guymontigers.com<mailto:kay.gilchrist at guymontigers.com>

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