Broad Range of Learning Programs Guide Students to Success

By the time teens graduate from high school, they will have spent the equivalent of six years in the presence of teachers. Schools, therefore, can play a key role in how the rest of our lives turn out. Because of this influence, parents may expect a great deal from their community's schools. 

School districts must meet the needs of the so-called "average" student and the student with special needs. Teachers are asked to challenge gifted students and mentor those who may struggle more. 

Patch has highlighted the Alternative Education Program in the Parkway School District throughout the past five weeks. These programs tend to address the students who may struggle with typical classroom education.

The objective is to target students in their home schools, provide intervention and keep students on the path to graduation.

Parkway’s innovative programs are a continuum of learning options for these students who may have lost their way. One local educator described Parkway’s alternative education program as “diversified,” which sets it apart from other programs in the St. Louis metro area. 

Intervention programs such as  and  offer students a chance to alter behaviors that have prevented academic success. 

 focuses on high school students at risk of dropping out.  is a state-sponsored program that allows credit-deficient students to earn a Parkway diploma. 

The  allows students to continue course work while serving long-term suspensions. And lastly, Fern Ridge, the district’s alternative high school, offers traditional curriculum with nontraditional teaching and learning styles.   

It is the continuum of programming, which allows students to seek early intervention and enroll in consecutive programs that makes Parkway different. 

Small class sizes, dedicated staff and administrative support are the constants which allow for student success. The district had an overall graduation rate of 94 percent in 2010.

Small class sizes with student-teacher ratios of 8 to 1 in some programs allow teachers to form strong relationships with students and provide one-on-one academic support.

“We can individualize instruction to a great extent and help students engage and reconnect to school. Underperformers are like a challenge to us,” said Lori Maddox, an assistant principal for Fern Ridge.

The determined attitude of program teachers is indicative of the district’s commitment to providing educational success for all its students. Staff experience at Fern Ridge averages 12.5 years.

“We teachers believe in these students,” said Diana Schumacher, a REACH teacher. “They are capable and smart. We adapt and are flexible to make sure they find success.”

Solid backing by district administrators and board members permit teachers to adjust programs to reach more students.   

“The board (of education) is so supportive of us,” said Michael Barolak, coordinator of student discipline and alternative student programs. 

Alternative education is offered in other school districts, as well. 

VISTA is Kirkwood Schools’ entry into alternative education. It serves middle and high school students with academic and behavioral issues.  VISTA can accommodate students with special needs, and offers counseling and mentoring programs. 

The Collaborative School, for high school students, is a joint effort between Brentwood, Clayton and Ladue school districts. It provides computer-based curriculum supplemented with textbooks. The school also offers social and family support.

Rockwood School District offers the Independent Learning Center, an alternative high school for students who may be credit deficient or learn outside traditional classrooms.

“Parkway sees the need to dedicate funding to this program in order to educate all students,” Schumacher said.