Second Chance Alternative Learning Programs

Mission Statement

	Second Chance is based upon the belief that there are many ways to become educated as well as many types of environments and structures within which education may occur.  Second Chance provides an option for dropouts, potential dropouts, pregnant/parenting students, and students not functioning well in the regular day (discipline and/or home reasons) to remain in school and work toward their diploma.  Second Chance is designed to be less competitive and to provide a more individualized approach to learning.

Goals:

1.	Help students change behaviors that have contributed to them being unsuccessful in the regular day
2.	Motivate regular school attendance
3.	Enhance student achievement
4.	Teach responsible classroom behavior
5.	Strengthen the relationship between the student, parents, and school in a positive way.
6.	Help students get back on track to graduate at their projected date
7.	Return the student to the regular day program if feasible
8.	Prepare students for post secondary life (education, work, family, etc.)

Characteristics of Second Chance

1.	Students selected for the program are selected by the staff of Second Chance

2.	A low teacher student ratio, which enables students and teachers to work together cooperatively and for students to receive the individual attention, they need.

3.	Program exhibits a caring atmosphere evidenced by mutual respect, high expectations, and sense of community

4.	Curriculum is relevant, high quality, meaningful, and follows the Standard course of study for North Carolina 

5.	Elective courses are designed to meet the needs of students

6.	Personal Education Plans (PEP) are developed and implemented for improving student behavior and the underlying reasons for the student’s referral

7.	Active home community involvement is required

8.	The program is designed to enhance the self-esteem of every student

9.	Students are involved in community service projects throughout the year

Selection Process of Students

1.	Students are selected by referrals to the staff of the program
2.	Priorities:
A.	Dropouts
B.	Pregnant and parenting students
C.	Students who are not functioning in a regular day setting
D.	Discipline problems

3.	Referrals are taken throughout the year; however, students enter at the beginning of the semester.

Evaluation of Program

1.	Increase in student attendance
2.	Decrease in behavior problems
3.	Students attain academic success by:
A.	Successful completion of course credits
B.	EOC scores
C.	Meeting individual academic plans

4.	Students successfully enters:
A.	Workforce
B.	College
C.	Military

REFERRAL PROCESS FOR SECOND CHANCE

In an effort to make sure that everyone is getting the same message, please give students, teachers, or parents who ask about placement in Second Chance following information.

1.	Placements are done at the beginning of each semester based on priority needs.
2.	An application must be filled out by one of the following (not the student or parent because of the information requested):

A.	The Principal
B.	Assistant Principals
C.	Second Chance Staff (McKinley, Moody, Rusyniak, or Ward)
E.	Guidance

3.	If a teacher/guidance refers the student, it would be helpful to have that person work with you on the request

4.	We are asking that some type of interventions must have been attempted before placement occurs, so we will need to see the documentation on what has been attempted and whether it has been successful.

5.	We need a copy of transcript, attendance, discipline, and current schedule attached to the application.

6.	All applications should be turned into Ms. Rusyniak.