Use of Supplemental Instruction at an urban high school

Abstract

In review, the SI program provided the central academic support focus for ninth and tenth-grade students at Westport High School. While not the sole factor, the SI program contributed to increased student performance. After completing the three-year pilot test, the initial results appear favorable. While there has been some difficulty in implementing this comprehensive learning assistance program during the regular school day, the results in improved academic performance and improved student discipline warrant further use of the program. There are a variety of others ways that the program could be implemented in other high schools. Upperclassmen, adult volunteers, parent volunteers, or other persons could serve as SI leaders and supervisors. Strong support from the high school administration and creativity open many opportunities for the adoption of Supplemental Instruction at the high school level.