Trustees Consider New Study Skills Course at Finley

Huntington School Board members are considering a new eighth grade study skills course at J. Taylor Finley Middle School. If approved, the course will debut next September. Student registration is expected to total 20. Existing faculty will be redeployed to cover the class.

“The skills class helps students learn a variety of strategies for how to maximize potential in all classes and to effectively demonstrate understanding on state and local benchmarking and summative assessments,” states the course description. “This course assists struggling students with test-taking strategies across disciplines with a focus on reading comprehension, contextualization and writing among other skills and strategies. This course will be offered through the Social Studies Department course offerings.”

The department’s Subject Matter Council approved the new course on April 22. The district’s Educational Development Committee met and approved the course on April 23. No additional materials are needed for the new course.

“This course will serve as a complement to the current seventh grade study skills course, as either a continuation of the seventh grade course for those who demonstrate continued need as well as those eighth graders who may be newly identified as needing study skills support,” according to the rationale provided to trustees. “The course will help students develop study protocols that can be applied to all subject areas including methods such as creating outlines, flash cards and effectively reviewing notes. Students will be introduced to online study materials and resources to supplement curricular selections and textbook activities. Guidance will be provided in the areas of notetaking skills, general study skills, organization and overall executive functioning within the context of academic growth and progress.”

Trustees are expected to consider approval of the new course at their next public meeting on Monday, June 2