Mabton Gets I-Best Program
MABTON - KIMA has discovered a new opportunity to help at-risk students. Mabton High has the chance to give kids instruction that's usually only offered at the college level. Right now you can only find the I-Best program at community colleges or YV-Tech. But Mabton is about to go on the map for preparing even younger students to succeed in college, before they ever step foot in the door.
" This is an opportunity to better prepare our kids and give them more opportunity to be successful as they're graduating from high school," said Minerva Morales, Mabton Schools Superintendent.
And this new superintendent is hoping to see more students graduate from Mabton High. Right now the graduation rate is stagnant at just 75%. Which is why the school district is so excited about being offered the chance to bring in the I-Best Program.
I-Best stands for "Integrated Basic Education And Skills Training." YV-Tech started the program two years ago. Nina Martinez works with about 4 students a year. Her first priority is to identify students at risk for dropping out.
" A lot of times the teachers will tell us that some of the students are struggling," said Martinez.
The majority of students are Hispanic, with English as a second language. And that's often what keeps them from fully understanding the curriculum. It can also discourage them to the point where they just drop out.
Mabton High student Karen Mendoza sees how frustrating it can be for teachers too.
" I can imagine it would be very difficult for the teachers to try to teach at a high school level English class but have a few students who don't completely grasp the concept of what they're teaching," said Karen.
The I-Best program is flexible. YV-Tech uses it to work with students in all classes. While Mabton may focus on one class of about 15 to 20 students. Bringing in an ESL teacher specifically for them.
Morales said, " Pairing up that teacher with a core teacher in a CTE class, so he brings his expertise and combines that to offer the best for the kids."
Mabton will first focus on bi-lingual students who are at a disadvantage. But eventually open it up to all students who may be struggling.
There are only 3 secondary schools in the entire state that have been offered this program. Mabton would be the fourth. The superintendent says she may start it as early as the third trimester, meaning this school year. Or they may decide to wait until summer to introduce it.
" This is an opportunity to better prepare our kids and give them more opportunity to be successful as they're graduating from high school," said Minerva Morales, Mabton Schools Superintendent.
And this new superintendent is hoping to see more students graduate from Mabton High. Right now the graduation rate is stagnant at just 75%. Which is why the school district is so excited about being offered the chance to bring in the I-Best Program.
I-Best stands for "Integrated Basic Education And Skills Training." YV-Tech started the program two years ago. Nina Martinez works with about 4 students a year. Her first priority is to identify students at risk for dropping out.
" A lot of times the teachers will tell us that some of the students are struggling," said Martinez.
The majority of students are Hispanic, with English as a second language. And that's often what keeps them from fully understanding the curriculum. It can also discourage them to the point where they just drop out.
Mabton High student Karen Mendoza sees how frustrating it can be for teachers too.
" I can imagine it would be very difficult for the teachers to try to teach at a high school level English class but have a few students who don't completely grasp the concept of what they're teaching," said Karen.
The I-Best program is flexible. YV-Tech uses it to work with students in all classes. While Mabton may focus on one class of about 15 to 20 students. Bringing in an ESL teacher specifically for them.
Morales said, " Pairing up that teacher with a core teacher in a CTE class, so he brings his expertise and combines that to offer the best for the kids."
Mabton will first focus on bi-lingual students who are at a disadvantage. But eventually open it up to all students who may be struggling.
There are only 3 secondary schools in the entire state that have been offered this program. Mabton would be the fourth. The superintendent says she may start it as early as the third trimester, meaning this school year. Or they may decide to wait until summer to introduce it.
More to Explore
Learn about changes coming to commenting