Career-Based
Intervention students and teacher Todd Hoovler start class by watching a
motivational video. Todd Hoovler
has a clearly defined mission at Mansfield Senior High School: Help at-risk
students get on track to timely graduation while developing their employability
and independent living skills.
Hoovler oversees the Career-Based Intervention (CBI) classroom – part of the Career Technical Education program – where he works one-on-one with students to restore academic credits and help them achieve gainful part-time employment.
“All of these kids are capable students and workers. The key is finding sustained motivation,” Hoovler said.
CBI students
are identified as being at risk academically or disadvantaged economically, or
both, regarded as barriers to career success.
Nine
sophomores and juniors were referred to his classroom during the first
semester. As the second semester moves forward he expects to have 15, both boys
and girls.
“These students take their four core subjects – math, English, science and social studies – then come to me for credit recovery using PLATO software,” Hoovler said.
Twenty
credits in core subjects are required for graduation.
“The goal is to get them to 10 credits to start their junior year. That opens the door to Career Tech programs as an option. We want juniors to get to 15 credits,” Hoovler said.
While emphasizing
academic requirements for a diploma, Hoovler also helps CBI students achieve
part-time employment through partnerships with local businesses and the support
of motivational speakers and volunteers who come to his classroom. One
volunteer last semester was Sheryl Weber, a board of education member and
retired Senior High teacher, who worked with students on job interview skills.
“Oh my gosh, I think CBI is a great program. It is a great benefit to our school system,” Mrs. Weber said. “It builds academic and employment skills for these students, some of whom are potential dropouts. “
Mrs. Weber
played the role of prospective employer, offering advice to students about dressing
appropriately, making eye contact and answering questions clearly.
“A part-time job builds self-esteem,” Hoovler said. “While providing income, a job also teaches responsibility and interaction with others outside school. We had one boy who worked 900 hours during 2018.”
Hoovler reloads his program each week, challenging his students with “three things to think about.”
-- Why are you
here?
-- What is one
success you have achieved so are in CBI?
-- Discuss two
challenges you face and how we can work to overcome them.
“Every Monday I get a progress report on CBI students’ grades,” Hoovler said. “I’m here for the success of these kids. They can come to me any time of day.
“They are all capable,” he repeated. “Sustained motivation is the key.”