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Workgroup ReportAlternative Education Programs CommitteeCharles County Public Schools
Michael Lukas – Board Vice ChairmanJennifer Abell – Board MemberMaura Cook – Former Board MemberPam Pedersen – Former Board MemberKimberly Hill ‐ Superintendent Sylvia Lawson ‐ Assistant Superintendent of School AdministrationAmy Hollstein – Assistant Superintendent of InstructionPatricia Vaira ‐ Director of Student ServicesAlicia Jones – Supervising School CounselorLynne Arnold – High School Principal (Committee Chair)Kenneth Schroeck –Middle School PrincipalChristina Caballero –Middle School Vice PrincipalDeAnna Duncan Grand ‐ Alliance for Excellence in EducationWayne Freeman – Former Principal – Robert D. Stethem Educational CenterWarren Leggett – Parent
Committee Members
Process for Review of Alternative Education Programs
Establish purpose/proceduresCreate a shared vision
Gather district data and assess needs
Study similar programs in other school systems
Develop recommendations for alternative education programs
Step 1
Step 2
Step 5
Step 3
Step 4
Map existing resources and identify service gaps
Steps for Review of Alternative Education Programs
Establish measurable student driven goals and objectives
Create a timeline with benchmarks
Step 6
Step 7
Step 8 Presentation of report to Board for review
Purpose of the CommitteeReview current alternative educational services provided to students in Charles County Public SchoolsDetermine programs and services that have sustained academic achievement of studentsExamine factors that contribute to continued challenges students encounter after returning to their home schools Address existing gaps in alternative educational services Restructure programs as necessary.
Gathering District Data to Assess Needs
Reviewed student drop out data by subgroup and 4,5,6 year cohortsExamined data from exit interviews of students who did not successfully complete high schoolReviewed all alternative programs/resources provided by Charles County Public SchoolsReviewed recidivism rates of students attending Robert D. Stethem Educational Center
Review of National Alternative Education Programs
Attendance at National Alternative Education Association Conferences to review national programsVisits to alternative schools in other states (Fayette County Alternative Programs, Georgia; New Directions Alternative School, Virginia; North Carolina A & T Middle College, Guilford County Schools)Presentation to committee by Deanna Duncan‐Grand (Alliance for Excellence in Education) on successful national programs
Immediate Actions Undertaken as a Result of Committee Recommendations
Revised Charles County Public Schools exit interview form completed by students who elect to drop out of schoolProvided workshop for all PPWs and counselors on how to apply current MSDE codes on drop‐outsAdministered a survey to all secondary administrators to determine school‐based needs in relation to the alternative educational program
Formed Subcommittees to Develop Recommendations
Subcommittee: Incentives/Recruitment of StaffSubcommittee: Program Offerings/Student SupportSubcommittee: Program Structure/AdmissionsSubcommittee: Curriculum and Instruction
Recommendations by the Committee:Develop procedures to increase communication between home school and the Robert D. Stethem educational program
Identify students who have not performed to their maximum potential in traditional middle and high school settings
Implement effective communication with home based schools to develop procedures for high school completion plans
Develop an application process for students to apply to attend Robert D. Stethem, which includes an extended time “opt‐in” component for students who have been placed in the program
Optimize instructional time within the master schedule to ensure that students have opportunities for credit recovery as well as original credit classes
Provide counseling services that include school based staff and community counselors.
Recommendations by Committee:Increase enrollment in the current Explorers programs.
Continue to maintain high academic rigor while providing additional support for students who need it.
Establish clear behavioral expectations which are consistently implemented
Provide on‐going staff training in differentiation strategies including how to work with unique student populations
Offer tuition reimbursement for staff seeking dual certification in special education
Update and restructure space within the facility
Revision of intake packets and procedures for Evening High School, NOVEL and Enrollment (August/September)Meeting with high school principals/counselors/PPWs and Special Education Services to review program offerings, procedures for enrollment and to explain goals for the alternative programs. (August/September)Development of an application process for students to enroll and opt in (September/October)Revamped master schedule in order to provide time during the school day for credit recovery, remediation and counseling services (August)Establish meetings with community support systems (Health Department, Juvenile Justice, Social Services, etc.) in order to work collaboratively for student success (ongoing)
SY 2015‐16:Timeline for Implementation
Provide staff development training (ongoing)Maintain high academic‐rigor and set up support systems (ongoing)Build programs and partnerships with community stakeholdersDevelopment of consistent discipline matrix that includes both rewards (PBIS) as well as a Tier system of services. (ongoing)Restructure of space and update of facilities (ongoing)
Enhancement of school facility (August)Removal of storage sheds in order to provide parking for bus dismissal & drop‐off as well as staff parking (August/September)Increase number of computer labs and other technology including Nooks, iPads, document cameras, SMART Boards, etc. (August)
SY 2015‐16 ‐ continuedTimeline for Implementation
Develop incentives for teachers to work at the alternative school (reimbursement for dual certification, staggered time, etc.) – Target hiring of teachers with experience in working with diverse populationsAssess program offerings and determine needsRestructure procedure for students transitioning back to home school which includes monitoring and supportImplementation of descalation and restorative practice training for all staffWork with the Office of Instruction to align programs with the College and Career Readiness StandardsIncrease enrollment in CTE programsIncrease number of students attending on full time basis
SY 2016‐17Timeline for Implementation
Restructure of FacilitiesEnclose/Update classrooms in high school/middle schoolUpdate/Reconfigure entrance areaTelepresence classroom
Working in Conjunction with the Superintendent Goals
Increase high school graduation rate
Close the achievement gap between highest performing subgroups on multiple measures
Place in the top five districts in state in student performance on PARCC assessments
Develop updated learning environments for students which include online courses to supplement face‐to‐face instruction
Recruit and retain a highly qualified, diverse workforce through effective professional development and competitive compensation