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MERCER IS SCHOOL DIST 400
“Advanced Calc helped me learn skills that are necessary for me to go into a STEM field in college. Do not cut it.”
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May 17, 2019
Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Permit #19 Mercer Island, WA
ALEX WHITE SENIOR
“I know that some of the grant money that the school recieves can only be used for certain departments, but I think something could probably have been done to get us an actual Advanced Calc class.” JASPER GEER JUNIOR
AS FUNDING TIGHTENS, ADVANCED CLASSES ARE THE FIRST TO GO Natalie Chen staff writer
Changes to available classes at MIHS have altered the pathway of many students, creating frustration and confusion. However, the factors driving these changes are not so black and white. The number of classes depends on two factors: the number of students that sign up for a certain class and available staffing. Staffing is determined by the total number of full-time students, defined as any student taking six full periods at the high school. Enrollment fluctuates each year and is expected to decrease by about 60 students for 2019-2020. As a result, the number of classes and staff will be reduced next year. Staff reduction was compounded by a statewide change in the staffing formula this year. The new formula raises maximum class sizes and thus
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decreases the amount of available staffing. “43 students signed up for AP Statistics, 46 students signed up for Intro to Calculus and 20 students signed up for Advanced Calculus,” math department head Kim Schjelderup said. “Since less than 25 students signed up for Advanced Calculus, the class was cut.” Most classes have a minimum requirement of 25 students. If every class had an average size of 20 students or less, then the total number of classes would increase and the school would be unable to employ enough staff to teach each class. Since the typical student to teacher ratio is 22 to one, two math classes must be consolidated to make room for another period of AP Statistics, prioritizing the graduation requirements of senior students. Graduation requirements also factor into what classes are offered. For example, the Washington State Board of Education requires only Algebra 1, Geometry and a third year of unspecified math. (continued on page 3)
“Before you double up on science, I think you need to decide that it is important to you because the sign-up process this year was hard and long.” OLIVIA TOMASELLI FRESHMAN
Features 4: School Cracks Down on Chronic Absenteeism Sports 5: Susie Lepow Reaches New Heights Spread 6-7: Margins Spotlight Opinions 8: Teachers Should Take 504 Plans Seriously A&E 11: Is Seattle Dying? It’s More Complicated Than You Think