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| District kicks off dropout recovery program |
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| Local News Headlines |
| Written by Administrator |
| Thursday, 02 September 2010 11:01 |
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Teenagers have numerous reasons and excuses for dropping out of high school. Many soon learn they should have made a different decision but cannot or do not want to return to a regular school setting. They now have another option in the Excelsior Program, a dropout recovery program approved earlier this month by the Birmingham Board of Education. The J. Vincent Group, a Texas-based company, will operate the program in locations across the city. “This is just one part of the district’s multi-pronged effort to reduce dropouts, increase the graduation rate and provide more diverse learning opportunities for students,” said Superintendent Craig Witherspoon. “We must do everything we can to ensure student success.” Witherspoon and J. Vincent Brown, chief executive officer of the J. Vincent Group, kicked off the program during a press conference. The Excelsior Program is designed for people ages 17 to 21 who have dropped out of school. Students who successfully complete the program will receive a high school diploma, not a GED. It is an accelerated program that will allow students to complete the requirements for a diploma in less time than if they returned to a regular school setting. The Excelsior Program combines computer-assisted instruction with instruction from certified teachers. Students will take an assessment in each subject area when they enter the program to determine where their academic deficiencies lie. The student then will receive an individual academic plan that spells out what he needs to complete graduation requirements. Students will be able to select from three five-hour daily attendance sessions at locations across the city. Because the majority of their work will be done through the Grade Results software program, students will be able to work at their own pace. They will be able to earn as many as 10 credits a year, compared with the eight that students in the district’s high schools can earn during the regular school year. The program will include special education teachers to serve students who qualify for special education services. Students who enroll in the Excelsior Program will be included in the district’s enrollment, but the district will incur no costs for the program during the 2010-2011 school year. The J. Vincent Group will be paid next year 90 percent of the state Foundation Program allocation for students in the program. “We hope that young people who have dropped out and now want to earn a diploma will learn about the Excelsior Program and enroll,” Witherspoon said. “While it may be difficult for them to return to a traditional school, this program is specifically designed to work with them so they can overcome whatever obstacles they face.” The J. Vincent Group, Mission Birmingham, community groups and other stakeholders are recruiting young persons for the Excelsior Program. The J. Vincent Group has identified six locations where the Excelsior Program will be located: • 23rd Street Baptist Church, 331 23rd St. South • Bethel AME Church, 1524 Ave. D., Ensley • St. John AME, 708 15th St. North • Word of Truth Ministry, 2509 27th Ave. North • South Park Baptist Church, 2341 Pearson Ave. SW • East Lake United Methodist Church, 7753 First Ave. South (not finalized) Additional locations will be added if need dictates. Anyone who wants information on the Excelsior Program may call Onesha McIntosh at 266-3584 or Keon Handley at 276-0454. |
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