Over the last 23 years, the Marcellin program at Marist High School has supported students who struggle with learning, whether that’s because of a diagnosis or they came from a school that did not teach them fundamental skills. In an MHS Media poll of 45 Marcellin students, 96% believe that the program helps them succeed.
This program is deeply rooted in the Marist tradition being named after patron saint, Marcellin Champagnat. He was never a good student himself. The Marist motto is to make Jesus known and loved and one way Champagnat thought to do this was in schools.
“He was a struggling learner, and it was important to him to provide anyone who needed it in order for kids to get the best education they can,” said Marcellin Director Kara Smith.
Br. Vito Aresto, former Marist teacher and guidance counselor, was at the forefront of the program. He wanted a program that would allow for tailored instruction with specialized teachers in smaller classrooms. The program permits teachers to gain knowledge of their students in order to individualize the learning experience. In the Marcellin program students learn at a slower pace with extra support.
“Vito and I were the ones who started looking into a new program to create something new for the students coming in with learning differences,” said Principal Meg Dunneback. “We called it the ‘learning styles program’ when I was still there. The Marcellin name must have come shortly after.”
Students consider this program very beneficial, in part because it is still considered a college preparatory track, while not holding the students back academically.
“I think it’s really nice that even though you’re learning at a slower pace it still counted as an academic class,” said senior Abby McClorey.
In the same poll, 87% of students sid they believe that the Marcellin program has positively impacted their work with 82% stating they have become more confident in their schoolwork.
Students have the option to take various levels of mandatory classes from Marcellin to Advanced Placement throughout their time at Marist. The Marcellin program offers tailored options for all grade levels based on age and learning abilities.
“I think the Marcellin program has helped me succeed because we learn at a slower pace than other classes which gives me more time to understand the material,” said junior Carsyn Smith.
At the freshman level, teachers meet and collaborate about curriculum and addressing students’ needs. Students and parents also have access to accommodation coordinators throughout all four years at Marist that they can utilize for additional support.
Recently, Marist has created a new course for freshmen called College Prep Reading in response to testing showing decreased comprehension and reading skills. These basic skills are a necessity for students to succeed and grow throughout their time at Marist and beyond.
“A lot of struggling learners struggle with reading, and that affects all their classes,” said Smith. “If we can help them with reading then that would help 90% of their classes.”
Another way Marcellin classes help is through peer leaders, who are senior students who are in the class all year to aid the teacher and students.
“The peer leaders provide extra assistance in helping me learn whether that’s explaining something in a different way or answering a question,” said Smith.
