Demographics
Calero High School is part of the larger East Side Union High School District, which has 11 major campuses (as defined by more than 1000 students) and over 25,000 students. 42% of our student body qualify for free and reduced lunch. Of the 165 students enrolled in Calero for the 2014-15 past academic year, 53 are in tenth grade, 67 are in eleventh grade, and 45 are in 12th grade. This ethnic distribution is 0.6% American Indian or Alaska Native; 3.8% Asian; 7% African American, not of Hispanic Origin; 75.3% Hispanic or Latino; 1.3% Pacific Islander; 8.2% White, not of Hispanic Origin; 3.8% Other. This ethnic mix does not represent the ethnic makeup of the city of San Jose or the rest of East Side Union district, but rather students who are traditionally underrepresented. With a student population of more than 90% with origins in developing countries, they have a personal interest in helping to understand and educate others about malaria
In my experience with at-risk students, integrated projects that tie different topics and standards together are more successful at capturing their attention and excitement. I believe this unit will engage them due to malaria’s current relevance in the world, the unit’s incorporation of many biology standards, and the variety of teaching modalities this unit requires. Rather than isolating standards and teaching them piecemeal, units such as this attempt to frame knowledge for students in a holistic, real-world, and multi-faceted manner.
Our students at Calero access all classes required to graduate and continue their studies at college and university levels. Most students come to Calero down in credits, and opportunities for recovery are integrated into our master schedule. Using technology as an integral 21st century skill, students have a regular class dedicated to online learning for credit recovery and grade enhancement. Working at the self-paced, A-G (the California university requirements) approved program our students recovered over 400 credit units last year. We are integrating Next Generation Science Standards along with Common Core in both Mathematics and English. In addition, our staff has committed to collaboration in Project Based Learning for several school-wide projects. As a staff at a new school we are committed to building community and finding new ways to encourage and motivate our students.
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