Teaching/Learning
The instructional programs in School City of Hammond's public schools are designed to provide a wide range of opportunities for learning. SCH is committed to promoting academic achievement, to developing the individual talents and capabilities of each learner, and to encouraging the attitudes and habits of life-long learning.
This program is available in all Hammond high schools. High school instructors teach college-level classes to high school students, in their local schools. Each spring, students may elect to take Advanced Placement Examinations that may lead to earned college credit.
These programs at the Area Career Center are open to students who are at least 15 ½ years old, with primary concentration on juniors and seniors. Vocational programs are extensions of regular classes at the student's school of record or "home school." Students enroll in a two-year program of their vocational choice to earn certification and credits toward their high school diploma. The Area Career Center prepares students for job-entry skills and/or the opportunity to enroll in post-secondary technical programs with advanced college credit.
These programs extend beyond the instructional program of the classroom, giving students the opportunity to develop interests and abilities for life. These activities provide experiences for students to learn the importance of cooperation and working with others.
Alisha Foor is the Instructional Technology eCoach for SCH.
In addition to the support she provides via in-person training, email, and by phone, she also has a blog full of useful resources for K12 educators. Be sure to check out Foor's Tech Deck - you won't be disappointed!
This program is offered at each individual Hammond school. Identification of students with high ability follows the state guidelines at all grade levels with universal screening done in grade two. High ability students at the elementary level are cluster-grouped so teachers can differentiate within their classrooms daily to meet specific needs in language arts and mathematics.
For grades 3-5, SCH offers the Junior Great Books program and advanced language arts and accelerated mathematics classes are offered at the middle school level. Advanced Placement (AP) classes are offered at all four high schools. Extracurricular activities for high ability students include Science Olympiad, Chess, Robotics and the Summer Opportunities for Academic Recognition (SOAR).
This federally funded program was established to meet the language needs of Hammond's language-minority students. The objectives of this program reflect emphasis on language acquisition and development, as well as other skills necessary to function effectively in society and in the work world. Bilingual instructors also provide services to migrant families, including ESL, literacy in either English or Spanish, and training in job skill areas.
These centers are in each school and provide access to a wide range of materials to supplement and enrich the instructional program, from traditional print to online resources over the internet. A media specialist in each center provides professional media services for teachers and students, provides instruction in information literacy skills, and administers the media program.
Programs for students with disabilities is available at all levels in Hammond schools. Students are provided an appropriate educational program, including related services necessary for them to benefit from specialized instruction. In addition to services for school-age children, the Special Education Department ensures that diagnostic services are provided for preschool children (ages 0-4 years) with suspected disabling conditions. The department also conducts a program to serve students who are homebound as a result of serious illness or injury.
This federally funded program is designed to enable students living in high poverty school areas to meet the state's challenging academic standards. The program provides additional funds for staff, materials, equipment, staff development, and family involvement to eligible schools. Title I services include supplemental instructional assistance, extended day and summer programs, student support facilitators, developmentally appropriate activities for 4-year-old children who will be entering kindergarten in the fall, as well as workshops designed to reinforce the home as a resource to promote learning and success in school.