Over 90% of Mamaroneck Students Succeed in Accelerated Science Program

by Judy Silberstein

(July 3, 2003) For the first time in the history of the Mamaroneck School, almost all eighth graders at the Hommocks Middle School took Regents Earth Science, and almost all ninth graders at Mamaroneck High School took Regents Biology. Over 95% of the eighth graders passed the Regents exam in June, and most of the rest performed well enough in the rest of the course to receive high school credit. Over 90% of the ninth graders passed their Regents exams.

“Were just very pleased that all ninth graders had a similar experience in taking the Regents Biology and that the results were excellent,” declared MHS Principal Mark Orfinger.

“I thought the results were outstanding,” said Hommocks Assistant Principal Larry Keane. “What was nice to see,” he noted, “I knew there were some students who would not have taken Regents Earth Science. Not only did they pass, but they did very well.”

Regents courses are designed to be taught at the high school, but for years, the Hommocks Middle School has offered Regents math and science in the eighth grade. Early on, the percentage of eight grades students taking Earth Science was tiny, and the class was reserved for top students who excelled in science and reading.

However, in recent years, the class has been open to more students. Last year it was 79% of the class with 99% passing; this year it was almost every student and over 95% passing.

Similarly, at the high school, only the stronger students were allowed to take Regents Biology in the ninth grade. The “advanced” students progressed to Biology in ninth grade, Chemistry in tenth, and Physics or Advanced Placement Physics in eleventh, after which they could choose additional Advanced Placement courses. The standard progression started with Earth Science in the ninth grade. Students who struggled with sciences had the option of taking and passing non-regents courses to satisfy requirements for earning a local diploma.

Recently, both the Mamaroneck Board of Education and the New York State Department of Education Board of Regents have been encouraging more students to enroll in more challenging courses and phasing out the less challenging options.

Even students newly arrived from foreign countries have the option of passing Regents exams that have been translated into a multiplicity of languages. Hommocks Science Department Chairperson Mary Everett ordered Earth Science exams in Spanish, Korean and Chinese.

“The teachers had to work harder – spend more time before school, more time after school – and it worked,” said Keane.

The Hommocks classes were grouped heterogeneously and taught by four teachers with support from a teaching assistance. “It’s a big grade, so there were 24 or 25 kids per class,” said Keane. There were no especially small classes.

There were extra before-school classes at the Hommocks during the last quarter for students who were having difficulties. Some students took an extra period every other day during this last quarter. There were also the usual review courses to help all students prepare for the exams.

“The teachers had high expectations for the students, and they responded,” said Keane.

At the high school, there were a certain number of sections that were smaller to allow for extra attention for students. However, there were no additional before or after school sessions. As always, teachers were available for individual students looking for help.

“We worked hard,” said Orfinger.

The biology experience is another example of the high school attempting to “detrack” its curriculum, explained the Principal. With most of the students taking the same core courses, it becomes easier to ensure better access to various other classes. “The more sections that are unique, the more locked in students become,” he said.

Most middle and high school teachers are taking a well-deserved break this week, but they will be meeting over the summer to further analyze test results and to make plans for strengthening the program next year.

“We are going to continue,” said Keane. With early results showing almost every student passing the exams, all eight graders will take Earth Science and all ninth graders will take Biology again next year.