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WBHS shuffling around Brendlinger’s absence
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · October 01, 2015
Social studies/debate instructor Bill Brendlinger “has had an extended absence” from West Branch High School, and the administration is trying to find ways to fill in for him.
In a letter to families dated Sept. 22, Principal Shannon Bucknell said Melanie Pforts, who carries a social studies endorsement, will step in to oversee most of Brendlinger’s four classes.
However, three of those four classes are “dual credit” or “concurrent credit” courses with Kirkwood Community College, so Pforts can “aid in the learning” but the high school must find college-certified teachers, too.
Bucknell said Pforts is fully qualified to teach the high school’s government class. She can also grade work in all four classes.
“We’re really happy to have her,” the principal said.
As for U.S. History Since 1877, Microeconomics, and American National Government — all Kirkwood courses taught at WBHS — the high school found instructors for two. Sara Nefsger will teach the history course while Kyle Tobiason will teach the microeconomics course, Bucknell said.
At the time the letter was sent out, Kirkwood was unable to provide someone — face-to-face or online — to teach the American National Government class. Yet Bucknell said late last week that it appears Muscatine Community College can provide an instructor as they also offer such a course.
Bucknell said the 44 students in American National Government are enrolling in the MCC course.
The U.S. History Since 1877 course will be converted to an “online” course, and Bucknell said that probably does not mean watching so many videos, but rather reading content, doing projects and taking exams through the Web, which is similar to other online courses offered through WBHS.
The Microeconomics course will have Tobiason — an instructor at the Jones County Regional Center — at the high school Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Pforts will appear Mondays and Wednesdays to help the students with assignments and projects.
The principal declined to speak specifically about Brendlinger’s situation, but said that West Branch staff who teach Kirkwood courses have additional training — at least 12 additional graduate hours — for certification.
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