Local alternative programs have evolved through the years
Published 11:14 am Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Alternative educational programs are changing in Washington state. No longer just for teen parents or kids with substance abuse or behavioral issues, a wide variety of options are available for any student or family that doesn’t fit the “traditional” or “mainstream” school model. Alternative programs today include online programs, where students can log-on from a remote location, completing classes on the computer via the Internet without leaving home. There are also on-campus alternative programs, which enable students to complete classes in a condensed time schedule allowing them to also maintain employment, devote time to additional personal responsibilities or interests, or pursue additional training. Also included in the alternative education world are Parent Partnership schools, where students usually attend classes at school part time, and parents take a major role in their student’s education.
On the Plateau, the Enumclaw, Buckley, Bonney Lake and and Sumner communities are served by the White River Alternative Programs. WRAP has three educational options: 1) The Choice Parent Partnership Program, a combination of on-site classes with school at home; 2) Collins High School, a four-day-per-week, condensed, full-time on-campus alternative program for high school age students through the age of 21; and 3) online learning, where high school credits are earned in online classes via the Internet (online learning also offers credit retrieval options).
Choice Parent Partnership Program
The Choice program is a parent-partnered public school. The program enrolls students in grades 3-12, with emphasis on rigor, independent learning, family involvement, obtaining a high school diploma and acquiring an AA degree via Running Start. Choice has also been used successfully by families wishing to transition from a homeschool setting to traditional public school. Additionally, families use Choice as a way to help develop and monitor their students’ education at any grade, but especially at the middle school level.
The Choice Program began in 1996 with one teacher and 12 students in grades 4-8. It was immediately apparent there was a need for a high school program, so a teacher was added to teach grades 9-12.
In those days, the emphasis was on English, technology and group skills. Through the years, the program has been expanded to include social studies, art, math, science and a wide variety of high school electives. Choice now has five teachers on staff.
Although Choice has expanded to meet the needs of a greater number of families, some things remain the same. Classes have always been small, and remain so, with an average class size of between nine and 16 students. Students still attend classes on campus part-time (10-15 hours per week), with most students attending school on campus two days each week, and parents teaching and monitoring school at home the other three days. On average, students complete 15 to 20 hours of schoolwork at home, either on their own or with parental help and supervision. Parents also develop and teach classes, coordinate field trips and community activities, are active volunteers at school, and choose some of the curriculum. As required in any alternative school, students and families meet with teachers regularly to go over learning goals and assess progress.
At Choice, there are a number of students who enrolled specifically for the small class sizes and personal attention from staff. Kids who were lost in a class of 30 often thrive in a class of 15. Even though courses are rigorous, the atmosphere at Choice is relaxed; the goal is for each student to make progress at their own pace. Teachers have time and energy to get to know the students and their families, their strengths and goals, and even their hobbies and pets. Many homeschool families join the Choice Program for the opportunity to collaborate with professional educators and connect and interact with other homeschool families. Many families who have previously homeschooled choose the choice program as their students’ progress into more varied, rigorous or technical coursework. Choice also offers a wide range of academic and enrichment classes taught by our teachers, parents or community members. Instructors are available four days a week before school to provide additional time and support to students and families when needed. Staff members always make time to confer with families, modify curriculum if needed, and assist in finding appropriate resources for students and parents. Today there are about 95 students on the Choice campus, with 22 attending Running Start at local colleges. Many Choice students will have earned both a high school diploma and an AA degree upon graduation. Graduation ceremonies are very special events; many graduates have attended Choice since 4th or 5th grade and have built long lasting relationships.
Choice has always relied on word of mouth for enrollment; many of the families enrolled there know each other outside of school through church, club, homeschool or community connections. The flexible and relaxed atmosphere, friendly and hard-working students, and small and intimate setting make it the perfect school for any family looking for deeper involvement with the education of their children. If you are looking for a unique and individualized educational experience for your student, Choice has scheduled an evening informational meeting for 7:00pm on January 10th for second semester enrollment. Please contact the Choice office at 360-829- 5810 to receive enrollment materials or more information.
Collins High School
Collins High School opened its doors as an alternative program in 1989 in a small brick house on Ryan road. Its mission was to serve students who were not prospering in the traditional large high school setting. The school opened with 88 students. Although the term “alternative school” may conjure up the stereotypical vision of hooligans with a lengthy history of discipline or legal issues, Collins actually serves an eclectic variety of students.
Collins High School boasts a diverse, edgy and accepting student body and a caring and friendly staff. Students enjoy the independent adult atmosphere that features more freedom and less stress and drama than is often associated with traditional large high schools. The smaller class size allows for more individual attention from teachers who are committed to helping students succeed. Curriculum is rigorous and focused into 9 week sessions to allow students to see prompt results and make regular progress towards graduation. Collins offers students an opportunity to catch up on credits or work ahead.
Collins currently serves about 200 students in grades 9-12, and is open to students through the age of 21. It is a great option for students who seek a smaller, more personalized educational environment. The small school size, dedicated and caring staff and flexible instructional format provides a challenging and motivating environment that focuses on student’s interests and strengths. Students are assigned to a homeroom teacher who becomes their mentor and takes a personal interest in their success.
Students typically attend classes 3-4 hours a day, 4 days a week (Monday through Thursday) and are expected to complete 13 hours of additional work at home each week. Flexible scheduling allows students to take morning or afternoon classes to fit their needs. The school is open on Fridays for extra time and support and staff is available to provide tutoring as needed. Additionally, students who have skill deficits in the areas of Reading or Math can attend additional classes during the school day to get their skills up to speed. Each student has an individual learning plan and staff works with students to develop a graduation plan that meets their individual needs.
Students new to the Collins program begin by first enrolling in our orientation program. Our flexible enrollment dates allow students to begin orientation at almost any time. Orientation provides an opportunity for students who are not currently attending or enrolled or earning credit in their home school to begin to earn credits by completing work in a concentrated alternative setting while becoming familiar with the Collins Program and learning about acceptance and tolerance. Upon successful completion of the orientation program, students transition to the Collins Program.
Interested students who currently attend Enumclaw, Bonney Lake, Sumner or White River high schools should speak with their counselor or administrator for a referral to Collins. Students who are not currently attending school can enroll directly through the WRAP registrar by calling 360-829-5759. Open enrollment appointments are available every Tuesday throughout the school year.
Online/Distance Learning and Credit Recovery
Online learning got its start in White River in 1993, as a credit and drop out recovery program that utilized computer based programs to build basic skills. Students came to a classroom for several hours a day and worked on reading, writing and math skills via a computer. Over time, technology has improved significantly and online courseware has become more sophisticated. Online classes now utilize state approved curriculum aligned with state standards and online instruction is becoming more and more interactive and includes the use of message boards for group discussions, web casts, visual labs and video tutorials.
On-Line/Distance Learning at WRAP is a web-based computer learning format which combines technology with traditional learning activities. Students are able to complete high school credits from home or anywhere they can access the internet, although final exams must be completed on site or taken at a secured testing facility. A wide variety of courses are available ranging from basic skill building classes, core courses and electives required for graduation up to and including Foreign Language and Advanced Placement classes. Students communicate with teachers via e-mail or text messaging or can come on site to get assistance or access computers and materials as needed. Full or part-time enrollment is available. Students enrolled full time in online learning should plan to spend 5-6 hours per day online and typically work on 2 to 3 classes at a time.
Online courses are rigorous and students must be independent workers and have good time management skills. Online learning is a terrific option for students who can’t regularly attend school. Our online program currently serves about 30 students including teen parents, older students or emancipated minors who have to work to support themselves, students with health conditions that prevent them from attending school daily or professional athletes who travel regularly throughout the school year for training and competitions.
The WRAP Online learning department also provides a credit recovery opportunity for secondary students. It is open to any student currently enrolled full time in one of our member districts. Students work online from home and can only complete 1 course at a time. Students need approval from their school counselor to attend. There is a charge for these credits.
Credit recovery is also available during Summer School. Summer school is primarily a computer based credit recovery program for students entering the 9th -12th grade. It is also available for students interested in earning summer credit in order to open additional scheduling opportunities during the regular school year. Summer school utilizes a technologically rich computer based environment allowing for a wide range of classes and subjects. Typically, sessions are offered Monday through Friday in 2 hour blocks during the month of July. Students can attend 1, 2 or 3 sessions and earn .5 to 1.5 credits. Although educators assist students with coursework, summer school is not intended to provide individual tutoring and courses do not represent the depth of a full semester of school work. There is a charge for these credits. For more information about online learning or credit recovery call 360-829-5762.
White River Alternative Programs are located at 27515 120th Street East, Buckley, WA 98321. Contact any of the WRAP programs by calling 360-829-1182.
By Elaine Elliott
For The Courier-Herald
