Local Education Perspective Paula Watts and Latif Abdulalim August 5,

A public day school for middle school students with serious emotional, learning, and/or behavioral difficulties. The entire organizational structure of the school, including the new and ongoing initiatives, procedures, and protocols, support the county’s Student Achievement Goals, specifically relating to achievement, essential life skills, and responsibility to the community and is aligned with the concepts of the Tripod Project, as described by Dr. Ronald F. Ferguson in Toward Excellence with Equality: An Emerging Vision for Closing the Achievement Gap. 2

3

4

5

6

7

Content The learning lab is designed to provide enhanced learning experiences in the areas of math and reading, and consists of the following course offerings:  grade-level intensive math; math remediation; algebra  Read 180 and a separate reading class are designed to specifically address decoding, fluency, and comprehension through direct instruction techniques. These classes have a smaller student-to-teacher ratio and provides for modified curriculum and individualized instruction as needed 8

Purpose of iPEACE iPEACE ( i ndividualized, p ersonalized e ducation and a ccomplishments through c reativity and e mpowerment) provides traditional and nontraditional school experiences for students who are in need of creative and individualized approaches to teaching and learning, are at risk for school drop-out, and/or are in need of academic credit recovery 9

10 Design of iPEACE  all students will obtain, understand, analyze, communicate, and apply knowledge and skills to achieve success in school and life. Student learning is facilitated through the use of NovaNET, a research- based online program that is aligned with the state’s curriculum  individualized and group counseling  project-based learning  mentoring program with local university  service learning projects  Mind Up

Pedagogy  Looping  Partner Teaming  Positive Behavior Supports (PBIS)  Assessment leadership Team  Student Achievement Leadership and Planning Team (SAPLT)- 11

Relationships  Primary Teaming  Wrap Around Teams  After-School Program  International Day  Thanksgiving Dinner  Student/Family Holiday Store  Transportation provided to families for meeting at school 12

Ferguson, R. (2007). Toward Excellence with Equity. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Education Press. eaching-methods/6046.html 13