The Newark Board of Education launched its Saturday School program on December 3, 2022 for 11th grade students in preparation for state testing. Close to 1,700 students were registered to attend 13 Saturday sessions with a focus on English Language Arts and Math.
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Dr. Mary Ann Reilly, had the opportunity to visit several high schools during the second Saturday session. Students were observed thinking while actively engaging in rich problem solving discussion and practice. At one high school, Dr. Reilly asked students, who were well into Plato's Allegory of the Cave, to consider instances when behaviors might resemble the enchantment to the shadows that Plato depicted. How is it that we fail to see beyond the limitations we think define us? What is it that affords some to seek the sun? Students spent time thinking critically about the questions posed.
Students will continue to attend the district’s Saturday School program for a total of 13 weeks until the sessions are completed on March 11th.