Yearbook, SOAR, tutor credits are questioned

Red Wing School Board members questioned at length whether Red Wing High School students should receive graduation credits for things like being a math tutor and putting together the school yearbook.

The topic was brought up during Monday’s meeting after Red Wing High School Principal Beth Borgen presented the 2012-13 program of studies to the board.

Currently, students may enroll in what the program of studies calls “additional credit programs.” Students can receive a full or half credit for being a teacher aide, a student tutor, a math assistant or participating in SOAR or the yearbook publication.

Supt. Karsten Anderson was the first to question the credits, and board members quickly followed. While the board questioned all of the additional credit programs, discussion focused mainly on SOAR and the yearbook production class.

Board members stated that to be worthy of credits, the classes should teach something, such as graphic design or journalism. They brought up concerns that the bulk of the yearbook class is taking photos.

“A yearlong class to put out a 90- or 120-page book that’s mostly pictures — I don’t understand what takes so long,” Board member Mike Christensen said.

Board member Steve Anderson added that the board would not want to do away with the subjects. Instead, he suggested the possibility of making them extracurricular activities.

“What colleges are looking for are not just GPAs, but also extracurriculars,” he said. “Yearbook could be an extracurricular.”

Board members also stated that they want to look into the methodology of how these classes are taught and how effective the current system is.

Borgen said all of these questions are already being discussed among the high school staff.

“I want to make sure that everybody knows how diligent the teachers at Red Wing High School are,” she said.

Board member Paul Kramp agreed with other board members in questioning the credits. However, he also said those activities may be keeping students involved in the school.

“We have to keep our students engaged,” he said. “And maybe this class is what’s keeping kids excited about coming to class.”

In addition, Steve Anderson commended the high school for allowing students the opportunity to take a variety of advanced placement and college credit classes, adding that the problems with the additional credit problems are relatively small.

“SOAR, yearbook, those are minor compared to all the other great things going on,” he said.

The board only discussed the topic and took no action. They said they would continue the discussion at a later date. The superintendent said the board should vote on approving the programs of studies at its Jan. 7 meeting.

Tags: red wing, school board, education, minnesota, news