IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES

The Transescent Seminar Team will have the primary responsibility for implementing the Advisor/Advisee--At-Risk program. It will be chaired by the assistant principal. The TEAM will implement the recommendations in this document employing the counsel and assistance of the Pupil Services Team and the 5-8 faculty as appropriate.

ADVISEMENT

The 5-8 expansion of the Advisor/Advisee program will begin with the 1997-98 school year. The program will provide advisement activities for all students--particularly for the at-risk student. These will include one-to-one advisory meetings, regular monitoring of the student¹s behavior and schoolwork, periodic parent contact, and mini course opportunities. The advisor can intervene to prevent problems associated with learning, attendance, and behavior.

PERSONALIZING INSTRUCTION

The advisor-advisee contact will be used to improve school climate by personalizing each pupil's relationship with a faculty member. As the program grows, so will study skills, social skills, and learning strategies that all students -- particularly at-risk students -- need to be successful.

SCHEDULING

The administration will develop a schedule conducive to effective student learning. The schedule will provide periods of work, exercise, socializing, and rest. Current research that identifies the best class size, length of class periods, and overall scheduling will be used to direct changes. Study halls and/or recesses will be scheduled during the school day to promote student productivity.

POWER OF POSITIVE STUDENTS (POPS)

The POPS program is currently in place as a positive, preventative discipline strategy. Students are given rewards for good behavior. These rewards (play money) then give the student a chance to win designated prizes that are presented at POPS assemblies. Middle school teams have developed discipline programs for their levels and have tied them to the POPS assemblies and mid-term activities.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, MINI-COURSES, AND CLUBS

Homeroom teachers and advisors will encourage all at-risk students to participate in at least one extra-curricular activity or club. (Mini-courses are already built into each student¹s curriculum.) It is well documented that this kind of involvement can improve a student¹s perception of school and his/her school performance. The teacher/advisor will work with the students and parents to promote such involvement. The IGEMS faculty will be encouraged to offer a broad spectrum of mini-courses and clubs.

HOME-SCHOOL COMMUNICATION

Parent education and home-school cooperation are central to forming effective at-risk programs. Regular communication by phone or letter from faculty members will be encouraged since parents of at-risk students do not always attend school functions, including parent-teacher conferences.

IN-SERVICE

Faculty in-service may well be the key to implementing an at-risk prevention plan. The principal will schedule at least two inservices for the following purposes:

1. Discussing the current at-risk process from the referral stage to the development of an at-risk program.

2. Presenting techniques and strategies that can be usedfor an entire class to prevent students from becoming at risk.

3. Presenting techniques and strategies for improving the attitude and performance of at-risk students.

4. Ensuring the success of the program.

DETENTION-FREE CLUB

Each quarter every grade level will offer specific reinforcing activities for the ³DETENTION FREE² club members. These students will participate in special inexpensive activities or events such as flag football, ice cream parties, pizza parties, movies, dances, games, bowling, or extra recesses.