to leave early were more tempted to cut a last period gym class. Coming
unprepared meant that students were not properly and safely dressed for
gym (sneakers, T-shirt or sweatshirt, and shorts or sweatpants).
PE is an important class. Students learn discipline and cooperation. They
let off youthful energy in a positive way. In addition to the usual general
calisthenics, basketball, and volleyball, students at Manhattan High School
were given units in softball, yoga, and isometric exercises, and they even
could opt for an elective PE course in dance. Passing was mainly a matter
of attending on time, being prepared, and trying your best.
When Ms. Valletta saw that students were failing PE at a higher rate
than academic subjects, she worked with the PE teachers to develop a
system of “makeup” gyms. Toward the end of every semester, PE teach-
ers were paid per session (overtime) to stay late or come in early so that
students who were failing due to absence or unpreparedness could make
up several sessions and thus pass the class. Recitation class PE teachers
informed eligible students of this opportunity and encouraged them to at-
tend. Many students were able to make up classes and pass.
Ms. Valletta had a similar problem with required lab classes in science.
This was a sixth science class added to the student’s program that many
did not take seriously as it was not taught by their regular science teacher.
Many students skipped required labs. They would not be able to take the
required state exam (lab attendance was required to sit for the exam) and
would fail the class. She found three ways to address this problem.
First, several teachers were paid by federal grants to stay after school
to supervise a peer-mediated tutoring program for students needing home-
work help. Their job was to organize a team of student volunteers who
would tutor, match volunteers with students needing assistance, and then
supervise the room while the tutoring took place. Of course, almost every
day the teachers would also help tutor. One of these teachers was a science
teacher. So, once or twice a week, he conducted makeup labs (the tutoring
room was adjacent to a science lab).
Second, during the state testing week when there were no classes, the
assistant principal of science scheduled all-day labs just before the science
exams so that students could make up multiple labs and review for the test
at the same time.
Third, Ms. Valletta met with her science supervisor and programming
staff to create programs that allowed science teachers to teach the labs for
178 Chapter 13