Madison Comprehensive High School Science teacher Alana Sigg proves that teaching success involves enthusiasm, energy and cooperation. The six-year veteran’s experiences showcase how the determination and collaboration of Madison High School’s teachers, administration and counseling professionals promote the success of students who often fall through the cracks.
It’s just one more example of how Richland County schools are dedicated to excellence and student achievement.
Most schools across the country employ some form of intervention program, or even multiple programs. In between successful, self-motivated students who don’t require intervention, and students with a medical diagnosis that work on an individualized education program (IEP), some students may struggle with everything from getting and staying motivated to keeping grades up. Madison High School’s Response to Intervention (RTI) program fills in this gap.
Powered by Dean of Students Sean Conway, Physical Education teacher Jennifer Steffey, and Sigg, who is also a counseling intern at the school, the RTI program gives students the boost they need to be successful.
‘All of the teachers are involved,’ said Sigg. ‘We meet twice a month with RTI so that the student [is represented by] all five teachers, the Dean of Students, and counselors. They work together.’
Sigg has been impressed with Madison’s program in the four months since she’s been teaching at the school.
‘Here at Madison, this is by far the best RTI program,’ Sigg said. ‘Dedication, cooperation and support. We get all of those things from the administration, the parents, the students and the teachers.’
The energy put forth by all of the parties involved has resulted in good things for the school and community. Not only are the students getting the help they need, but Sigg believes the program has contributed to the school’s recent high grade on the state’s report card.
‘It was top of the area’s surrounding schools,’ Siggs said. ‘That shows right there the effectiveness of the cooperation, dedication and communication of the staff, teachers and administration, all put together to make sure that students succeed.’
In part, it’s teachers like Sigg that make the RTI program work.
Upon graduating from Ashland University, after two years as a substitute teacher, Sigg landed a teaching job in inner city Toledo as Horizon Science Academy’s science instructor. There, Sigg learned how to address the students’ needs on a basic level, meeting the students where they needed help the most. Some of her teaching efforts addressed teaching kids why homework was important, as well as ensuring they met academic standards, too.
While teaching at Horizon, Siggs worked with students on the annual Science Fair, served as Science Department Head and held a position as Advisor to the Student Council. It was at Horizon, too, that her desire to become a high school counselor was born.
‘My heart bled for the children,’ Sigg said upon learning that the school lacked a counseling program. In some households, ‘education isn’t necessarily a focus or value. So I wanted to give that value to them with my energy and enthusiasm, like we can get excited about education, and you can do something with yourself. They feel that energy and respond with ‘Yeah, yeah, I think I can.’’
‘As an instructor, a combination of teaching skills and identifying with students where they’re at and identifying that emotional and social piece, it’s a benefit to me. As a teacher, I have to keep my teaching and counseling completely separate. The RTI program is very helpful to merging those two departments together. It allows teachers, counselors and administrators to work together. It’s a special little space.’
And it’s one that Madison students and the community at large should give a nod. RTI is evidence of the value of educational support programs, which many in the area may not even be aware of. It’s a unique place where Madison Comprehensive High School’s teachers, counselors and administrators can collaborate and ensure that area students get the best education possible.
‘Here at Madison, this is by far the best RTI program,’ Alana Sigg said. ‘Dedication, cooperation and support. We get all of those things from the administration, the parents, the students and the teachers.’
