Alternative Schools - Personal Attention is Key to Success

With today’s high school drop-out rates, (23% in Missouri for the class of 1998) public schools are developing and/or enhancing alternative educational systems to meet the needs of all students.

The Kirksville Alternative School is an excellent example of an alternative educational delivery system. It is designed to meet the needs of those students who are unable to adjust or function in the traditional school setting. Students in this program are given the opportunity to grow academically, personally, and socially in an environment that fosters the needs of each individual student.

"If this school wasn’t here, I would be in the 8th grade fighting with the kids and flunking out of school."

Students who need this program have failed in the traditional high school setting and need a reason to stay in school. They generally lack trust (in adults and themselves) and lack a sense of belonging.

"My grades are better, and my attitude is a whole lot better."

In order for the Kirksville Alternative School to be effective, the staff has implemented the following components: small class size, concern for the whole student (personal attention is the key), supportive environment, goal setting, and parental support.

Students accepted into K.A.S. work to achieve one or more of the following goals:
1) Return to regular education program at Kirksville High School;
2) Work to gain proficiency in order to pass the GED;

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3) Graduate from the K.A.S. with a Kirksville High School Diploma;
4) Prepare for full-time work; and/or
5) Prepare for entrance into a college program.

"Without this school, I probably wouldn’t be graduating this year."

Students must complete an application process to be accepted into the K.A.S. This includes an application and an interview with the student and parents. Students are not forced into the program.

When asked why he is successful at the K.A.S., Tim replied, "The one-on-one attention and help. In 8th grade I got all Fs; now I get Bs and Cs. In a regular classroom, I goof around a lot, but I don’t do that here." When asked what he thinks of K.A.S., Kevin responded, "I love it!" Kevin also felt the individual attention is the key to his success at K.A.S.

Jackie Lawrence, the K.A.S. coordinator and teacher, also attributed the success of the program to individual attention.

According to Mrs. Lawrence, the students are given positive feedback and chances to succeed. She emphasized, "Success builds success." She also stated that parental involvement and support are key to the program.

In today’s competitive society, it is imperative that we do everything possible to help our children be successful. The Kirksville Alternative School is an excellent program which leads our children to success.

"If it wasn’t for this school, I would have quit or been a failure."