In September 2000, Marist High School began a new program, Focus Educaton. Focus Education is a program designed to address the needs of students who have been diagnosed with learning differences. Since all Focus Education students are mainstreamed into the regular college preparatory course of studies, learning support is the integral component of the program.

Focus Room Goals

• To provide academic support in all subject areas
• To enable students to develop strong organizational skills   
• To enhance study skills    
• To teach students to be self-advocates 
• To foster independent learning   
• To assist students in the college application process

Student Selection

In order to qualify for the Focus Education Program, a student must have an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) prepared by a Child Study Team.  Freshman applying to this program must also:

• Complete and submit the Focus Room application form
• Take the Cooperative High School Entrance Examination
• Submit a Freshman Candidate Record form

The Program

Students are scheduled for the Focus Room one period each day.
No more than five students are scheduled for a given period.
The Focus Room teacher interacts regularly with the Guidance Department, the student's teachers and the student's parents.
The teacher ensures that students have the accomodations they need to succeed in their other classes, such as:

• Preferential seating
• Adjusted testing times
• Assistance with note-taking
• Assistive technology, if necessary
• Testing in the Focus Room

The teacher monitors each student's IEP and interacts with the Child Study Team on the student's behalf.

Grading

Each academic quarter a student's grade will be determined by progress in specific academic areas, as well as in progress in study skills, organization, and time management.

Each day a student will be graded on one or more of the following requirements:

• Preparedness for class
• The accuracy of the daily Agenda book
• Completed assignments
• Questions for the Focus Room teacher
• Possessing appropriate supplies
• Appropriate use of time

Scheduling

The following chart accounts for the placement of the Focus period into the student’s schedule.  The only adjustment in graduation requirements for a Focus Ed student is three years of history rather than four.

Commitment

Marist High School is committed to meeting the needs of all the students who enroll in the school.  We are determined to enable each of our students to succeed and develop his/her full potential.  The Focus Room is an important initiative that will make these goals a reality.

If you have any questions about the Focus Education Program at Marist, please call the Asst. Principal for Academics, Ms. Miesnik at 201-437-4544 ext. 103.