In a recent issue of the Carmel Star, Superintendent Jeff Swensson published a column arguing for local control in high performing school systems. Swensson said Carmel Clay Schools consistently performs well, with the school district making the Indiana Department of Education’s Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) standard since 2003.

In a proposed high achievement plan if given local control, Swensson would install a “Greyhound Senior Semester” in which seniors at CHS would be able to explore collegiate and co-curricular opportunities during school time. Even though the school already offers dual credit college courses such as AP, IB and ACP, Swensson wants to take learning to the next level. Hypothetically, Swensson contrived a situation in which a biology-oriented student could team up with a local hospital and have physicians and CHS teachers work together to produce a rigorous curriculum. However, the handicap that is preventing any such student from partaking in such a schedule is state legislation that requires at least 180 days of physical attendance. If the program is successful, it could potentially be extended to the elementary and middle school level.

Regarding the idea itself, Swensson said, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” He said his proposal for the “Greyhound Senior Semester” is open for civil discourse. The plan is aimed to engage seniors in a more collegiate-type schedule which can instill the right habits of mind and experiences that give students an upper edge. Swensson encourages community members to weigh in on the issue and has received much public support so far, including the backing of the school board and a few state legislators.

“There are some opportunities emerging in the State Legislature. We’ve talked to local legislators. They’ve been very positive about this possibility to raise standards,” Swensson said. “Why not engage our students in this higher academic plane as a life experience?”

However, Student Body President Jeremy Weprich said he remains skeptical about the plan’s effect on a majority of the Senior Class. He said via e-mail, “While I don’t expect this new program to have its reaches on a majority of the student body of seniors, I do think that the proposed accelerated semester program will benefit some of Carmel’s advanced students.”

Swensson said, “It’s essential to have seniors finish their senior year. There are some great things going on. Senior year is a culmination: intellectually, personally, in terms of maturity, in terms of leadership and in terms of character.” By Steven Chen <[email protected]>