Steps to Success
There are steps to success in life, and they are paralleled at Columbus High School.
Once enrolled at Columbus, each student’s progress is continually evaluated through the Steps to Success Program. Steps to Success monitors specific attendance and academic standards, helping students take ownership of their progress.
The Steps system tracks student responsibility as academic citizens, one credit at a time.
1. Enrollment
One of these goals and a goal deadline are established:
- Return to Downey or Warren High School
- Graduate from Columbus
2. Credit Check Form
This visual tool tracks individual student advancement toward graduation.
See how many credits a student has earned and how many credits they need to achieve their goal. Teachers update the form daily as credits are earned.
The tool is accessible to the student, parent/guardian, teachers, staff and other interested parties (probation officers, administration, etc.).
3. Evaluation Periods
There are ten evaluation periods each school year, usually coinciding with each month of that academic year.
At the end of each evaluation period, the student is placed on a step representing their effort level for that evaluation period. A letter is then sent to each student’s parent or guardian informing them about their son/daughter’s progress.
Helping Students Navigate a New Course to Success
Steps to Success Standards
Excellent – On Track to Graduate
Standard:
- 100% of credits needed are earned, and the student’s attendance record is between 85 to 100%.
- Step One certificate
- Award assembly
- Recognition contact/letter to parent/guardian
- Assorted prizes or privileges
- Approved to participate in special activities/privileges such as work permit, prom, homecoming and transfer to WHS/DHS the next semester
Satisfactory – On Track to Graduate
Standard:
- 100% of credits needed are earned, but the student’s attendance record is 84% or below
Rewards:
- A letter to parent/guardian
- May include approval to participate in special activities such as work permit, prom and homecoming.
Not Eligible for:
- Transfer to WHS/DHS the next semester
Unsatisfactory – Not on Track to Graduate
Standard:
- 99% or fewer credits needed to earn that session
Not Eligible for:
- Work permit, prom, homecoming and transfer to WHS/DHS at the semester
Students at step three need to attend a mandatory meeting with their parent/guardian and teacher(s) to discuss their lack of progress. During the meeting, a plan is made to get the student back on track to graduate.
