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JBSA News
NEWS | Aug. 11, 2008

Career, technology classes retain popularity at Randolph High School

By Thomas Warner Staff writer

Officials with the Randolph Independent School District understand school-age children's aversion to video games and the Internet, so they don't mind using computers as learning tools in classrooms. 

In fact, they are excited to feature programs that explore potential careers and examine various forms of technology, with a lineup of classes that is likely to retain popularity at Randolph High School during the coming school year. 

A handful of those types of classes are being offered this fall to students grades nine through 12 at RHS, where close to 1,200 students will congregate once school resumes Sept. 25. 

The Texas Board of Education mandates all students must take at least one technology class during high school. At Randolph, freshmen and sophomore students routinely enroll in the Business Computer Information Systems class to fulfill that requirement or simply to satisfy curiosity. 

Along with BCIS, Randolph will offer classes in banking and finance, business law and accounting. 

"The BCIS class is an elective, but it often becomes a career path," said Allana Hemenway, associate principal at RHS. "Our career and technology programs spark an interest with a lot of the students and they end up working in that realm." 

Curriculum for a BCIS class could include, for example, students using spreadsheets to map out expense plans for what to drive, where to live and other budgetary issues. 

Computer-based learning occurs in several classes at the school. The classes have been offered for more than 10 years, but the software and methods of learning have changed, said Rita Polen, Instructional Services executive director at RHS. 

"Students work with the latest computer software programs, getting a hands-on experience with classes that are largely project-based," said Ms. Polen. Two of the classes are year-long endeavors while the other two last one semester. 

RHS has other unique class options, including dual-credit courses that allow students to earn both high school and college credits. Advanced placement courses are also popular at the school, with 70 students having completed 160 AP courses during the 2007-08 school year. 

"The completion of the new (San Antonio College campus) in Universal City will create a good partnership opportunity for us in the area of dual-credit courses," said Bruce Cannon, RHS principal. 

Last year, Randolph Independent School District had 1,170 children enrolled in grades 1-12, with over 500 at the high school. There were around 100 students who enrolled in the career and technology classes during the previous academic year. 

"The more opportunity we give kids to do things they enjoy and are interested in, the more chances it gives them to ultimately be successful," said Ms. Hemenway. "Our students are given many opportunities each academic year to enhance their learning experience."