Mr. Tang is one of the teachers helping out the students, he will be leading a camp for the math portion of the exam. Mrs. Fabbi will be leading a reading and writing camp.

 

What are the main things you are focusing on with your students?

 

Fabbi: We have been working really hard on writing thesis statements and essays. I provide practice passages for the students and then help the students understand the questions they’re being asked.

 

Tang: For math, any types of number problems such as number theory—things they haven't seen recently.

 

What teaching style will you use for these classes in particular?

 

Fabbi: I try to make it really interesting. The camps here at Clark are focusing on the seniors who have not passed, and are close to their last chance and we specifically focus on the seniors that are just a few points away from passing.

 

Tang: Math camp is separated into 15-20 minute little sections. The students work individually and later on we go over it as a class.

 

What made you want to teach these camps?

 

Fabbi: Well, it’s shameful to see all these high school students go through their courses, pass them and still not be able to graduate because they did not pass the proficiency exam.

 

Tang: I think it’s good for the students to get an idea of what they will be seeing on the test. I think the highest needs students that were invited to camps were the ones we focus on. I think it is beneficial for the students who need that extra push.

 

Do you find it difficult to teach these camps?

 

Fabbi: The only thing that is difficult is that many of these students are second-language learners. If their English is limited, it is difficult to give them all the information you want them to have.

 

Tang: Teachingwise, no, it is not difficult. Just knowing where the kids are at, a lot of these students are borderline passing.

 

Are the camps easier to teach than regular classes?

 

Fabbi: No, it is not because it's high stake. You’ve got kids that need to pass and that are really close to passing. Everyday, teaching is different. You build upon a foundation, and you go step by step, and in the camps, they've had a class where they were already exposed to this and in some cases they still just don't get it.

 

Tang: Yes and no. Again, it's difficult because I don't know these students personally and I'm not prepared for exactly what type of questions to see, whereas in a regular geometry or algebra class I would have already taught the student the lessons.