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Rio Hondo College News

MEDIA ALERT
3600 Workman Mill Road / Whittier, CA 90601 / 562-692-0921
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Merle Enriquez   Secretary
Department: Planning and Development
Phone:  (562) 692-0921  Ext. 3412
Rio E-Mail: MEnriquez@riohondo.edu
March 8, 2006 

WUHSD Programs Chosen as Models of Success Whittier Union CAHSEE Intervention Programs Highlighted on CDE Website
 

WHITTIER, CA –Whittier Union High School District’s efforts to ensure that every student passes the new California High School Exit Exam were recognized recently on the California Department of Education (CDE) website. The CDE’s recently unveiled CAHSEE Intervention web page has two links to Whittier Union programs.

The CDE posts information on successful programs so that school districts statewide can access information and emulate programs that are effective in promoting student success. Links to the CDE web pages can be found at: www.cde.ca.gov//ta/tg/hs/whittier1.asp and http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/hs/whittier2.asp .

WUHSD’s programs were featured by the CDE because of the success the District has had in providing support to those students who have yet to pass the high school exit exam. For those few seniors who have not passed the exam, Whittier Union’s program features intensive, highly personalized tutoring under the supervision of a teacher specifically assigned to CAHSEE intervention. In addition, WUHSD offers parallel classes in English for tenth graders who will take the CAHSEE for the first time and in English and Math for juniors and seniors who do not pass either portion of the exam as sophomores. The parallel classes provide supplemental instruction during a class period in addition to the student’s regular academic program.

“We have had great success in increasing the passage rate on the CAHSEE,” said WUHSD Superintendent Sandra Thorstenson. “Our focus on a quality standards-driven instructional program, with frequent common assessments used as a quality assurance tool, has resulted in our students being better prepared academically. By being proactive in providing quality instruction and early, substantive intervention, the District has been successful in getting our diverse student population through the CAHSEE in high percentages.”

“Although we have a small number of students who haven’t passed the high school exit exam, we are striving to make sure every senior can cross the stage and get their high school diploma,” said Board President Alex Morales.

The Whittier Union High School District provides all students with an engaging, quality, standards-based instructional program delivered by a well-trained staff resulting in improved student achievement. Whittier Union High School District works to achieve and maintain excellence in providing a comprehensive education for all students.

-RHC-

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