Posted: 7/31/03

Despite low NCLB score, District 16 alternative center graduates highest number of students ever

by Elyse Kaner
Staff writer

It came as no surprise to Frank Herman, District 16 learning alternatives director, that Spring Lake Park High School received a red mark in the graduation category of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) score analyses last month.

He was surprised, however, to learn that alternative learning centers were being grouped with traditional schools in the ratings.

Herman had attended a state conference in February, where he understood that the Minnesota Department of Education was working to not include alternative schools in the assessment.

"Most of our students are one trimester to a year behind when they arrive," Herman said.

The success of the alternative learning center (ALC) is shown by the number of students who graduate. And 27 full-time ALC students graduated this year, the highest number of graduates since the program began about nine years ago, he said.

Out of the 269 seniors that graduated from Spring Lake Park last spring, 67 students had completed some coursework at the center.

"And that's a pretty high number," Herman said. "It's indicative of how closely we work with the high school."

Still, Herman believes the assessment analyses are helpful.

"It does offer that accountability," he said. "We can always work for improvement."

ALC students transfer in and out from Blaine, Spring Lake Park, Centennial, Columbia Heights and Fridley during the year.

Some are working through chemical issues, others are teen parents, while others are students who find success in a nontraditional environment.

The school works to catch the students up with skills.

"Chances are, it will take longer than four years," Herman said.

Along with academics, the school works on social and character development.

In May, a social worker began working half time with the students to make a connection between home and school.

"We try to work with the whole person," Herman said.

Next year, for the first time, the school will have a full-time math and science teacher. Previously, they were shared positions.

Math is foundational, Herman said. If a student misses math because of a crisis, it is difficult to catch up. The new math position will strengthen the curriculum, Herman said.

All staff will be returning next year as well, which is unusual.

"For many of these kids, that's a constant," Herman said. The burnout rate for ALC teachers is about three years, he said.

Also new next year, a safe harbor sober school will be offered in the learning center.

Regarding the NCLB scores, Herman said, "It forces one to reflect, and that's not all that bad."

Elyse Kaner is at elyse.kaner@ecm-inc.com

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