Students
The easiest thing for recruitment is to get in front of the Algebra
1 classes for 10 minutes. If
possible, bring currently enrolled students with you to discuss Geometry in Construction. A similar option is to have Algebra 1 teachers bring
their classes on a tour of the Geometry in Construction class area. Even if this is the start up year for GIC,
there is value in getting kids to hear a presentation of GIC in the shop area.
Be sure to include topics such as:
· What classes can students continue on into once
GIC is successfully completed? This answers the math question, “Can I take Algebra 2 if I
take this class?”.
· What skills will I gain for my career path? Students heading to the trades will find
general exposure to all construction trades and will then be able to continue
their pathway by ???? For
us, it is going to the local vocational center. Students going into the white-collar career paths of
engineering, architecture, construction management, surveying, landscape
design, and drafting will gain valuable hands-on experience in construction. According to professors at the college
level, students with a basic knowledge of how things go together
will have a better college experience in the engineering/construction career path.
· Be sure to address the question that is in most
students mind, “I have never used a hammer or a saw, will I look dumb?”. We assume students have not used any
tools prior to this class.
· Male students do not have an advantage over the
females. In fact, because of the
tools (light battery saws & palm nailers) available for use, females are
equally likely to be successful.
Power tools are optional as well as being on high places such as roofs. We make the statement “Males are better at framing, and
females are better at plumbing, electrical, and finish work. It takes both groups to build a
successful project."
· Discuss the service-learning component if you
have one. For us, we talk about
building for a family from Habitat for Humanity. If not service
learning, discuss what project(s) students will be creating.
· When possible we show a 2-3 minute video. Some schools can show it during video
announcements.
Create a brochure. The brochure should include 3 areas;
one each for Students, Parents, and Administration/Counseling. Include topics such as:
· Students are ready to take Algebra 2 after
completion of the course.
· Majority of students take GIC NOT because it is easy
but because it is relevant. We
answer the question “When are we ever going to use this math?”.
· Construction is not just for males. It provides a career path to high
paying non-traditional careers for females.
· Power equipment is optional.
· Include a listing of career paths that benefit from GIC
including green building.
· State test score information (or national if
this is your first year) showing the favorable outcomes.
· No experience needed for construction.
· Community service opportunities through non-profit
partnerships.
· All geometry standards are covered.
· It is fun.
Parents
Use back to school night or parent conferences to hand out the brochures mentioned above. If you
have a back to school night, include currently enrolled students (if you have
them) as representatives. Have a
video running to grab attention (there are several on our website).
Counselors & Administrators
We buy an inexpensive lunch (yes, out of our pocket) for all
counseling/administrators. The
catch is they get an opportunity to hear a 15 minute presentation.
- We hand out the brochures and highlight items from it.
- We discuss career paths that benefit from enrollment in GIC.
- We discuss state or national test scores comparing regular geometry classes to GIC.
- We do not assume counselors know all about our program. It is too much to expect a counselor to know everything about every special program in our school.
· We suggest the brochure is placed on the
counselor bulletin board or under the glass on their desk for easy reference. We take lots of questions.
Good luck with your efforts!
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