Program Description and Goals
In
January 2006, District 88 created the GOAL (Goal Oriented
Alternative Learning) Program in order to meet the needs of students
who were not finding success in the regular school day. By
implementing the program, more students’ needs could be met so that
academic success could be found. Furthermore, the program places
focus on each student’s life beyond high school. Throughout the
year, students set short and long-term goals with support from the
staff on achieving them.
Mission Statement
The GOAL Program ensures a focus on
educational success, self-awareness, and community development. It
is through this program that all components of the student’s life
are brought together to achieve the goals that have been set. We
promote lifelong learning in the areas of academics, careers,
community, and most importantly self.
Daily Routine
The GOAL Program is an alternative
learning environment to the regular school day. School is designed
at a shorter time schedule later in the day, 2:00 – 6:00, to help
meet the needs of students. One of the other features to the
program is the structure of the teaching. The program’s staff
instructs one of the four hours. The focus during this hour is on
career and life skills exploration. For the remaining three hours,
the students work on the computer using the NovaNET software. This
software allows the students to work at their own pace and on their
own individual academic needs. Assistance is provided to students
to address their needs and areas of weakness. A 20 minute break is
given during the time for students to get a drink or snack, and to
use the restroom. Once the break is over, students are expected to
return to work.
Attendance Policy
The GOAL Program expects students to
attend class 100% of the time. If a student’s attendance falls
below a 90%, due to excused or unexcused absences, the student will
be placed on an attendance contract. The attendance contract will
list possible violations if the contract is not followed, this
includes removal from GOAL. If for any reason a student will not be
in attendance, a phone call needs to be made the day of absence to
the teacher or coordinator before 1:30. If more than one day in a
row is missed, the student needs to provide documentation for the
missed days. Students should know that necessary appointments (such
as doctor’s) should be scheduled before or after school. If a
student accumulates two unexcused absences, a contract meeting will
be held with the student, parent, coordinator, and teacher.
*Attendance is extremely
important to the GOAL Program. If a student is not in school then
he/she is not earning credits. *
Overview of NovaNET
NovaNET is a comprehensive computer software
designed for 6-12 graders. Due to the wide variety of students’
abilities and learning styles, the NovaNET software was created to
help meet these individuals’ needs. NovaNET is being utilized in
over 2000 schools and educational programs nation wide. The
software helps struggling students recover lost credits, provides
individualized learning, and increases graduation rates. NovaNET is
aligned to the state curriculum standards and follows the national
GED model.
Each subject area within NovaNET is
divided into modules or chapters. As a student enters a module they
encounter a pretest. It is in the student’s best interest to score
high on the pretest. After assessing the student’s score on the
pretest, lessons are then prescribed to the student in the areas in
which they were deficient. After completion of the prescribed
lessons, the student moves on to the posttest. In order to pass on
to the next module, students must earn higher than an 80% and not be
deficient in any of the learning areas. Once the student has
completed a class they are given a final exam. A student
successfully completes a class when they earn a grade of 80% or
higher.
Eligibility
The GOAL Program is designed as an
opportunity for students who have not had success in the regular
school day. The criteria for enrollment are non-special ed students
who have presented attendance
issues or lack of academic success, for various reasons during their
high school career. Neither should be the result of inappropriate
behavior. The student needs to be self-motivated and self
disciplined because the curriculum is completed at his or her own
pace. The program is designed for students who are enrolled in 11th
and 12th grade. Once a student is enrolled in GOAL, they remain
there until they either graduate with a high school diploma or
register to take the GED exam at College of Dupage.
Enrolling
In order to be considered for the
GOAL Program a referral process is in place. Specific paperwork
must be filled out by a member of the PPS Team (counselor, dean,
social worker). Once the paperwork is completed it then goes to the
GOAL coordinator and Director of PPS to be reviewed. If the student
qualifies for the program a phone call will be made to the family to
schedule a staffing. This meeting will include the parent/guardian
of the student, the student, the coordinator, the student’s
counselor or dean, and the PPS Director. During the meeting,
information about the program along with emergency paperwork will be
completed. Students will also have an opportunity to set goals for
themselves in the area of their academics and future career.
Family Night
One of the keys to the program is the
family night component. Every month a mandatory Family Night
meeting will be held so that the parent/guardian has ongoing contact
with the staff and is aware of the progress being made by his or her
son/daughter. Throughout the evening, students may present on
something they have done in class. The rest of the night’s schedule
may also include an awards ceremony, guest speakers, and
parent/teacher conferences. We feel this is a valuable part of our
program because it allows the family to stay involved in one
another’s life and show support for their student. At these
meetings, refreshments are served as a way of saying thank you for
your time. Meetings are held from 6—7:00 p.m. Dates and location
will be provided to families during the intake.
Contact Information
Coordinator—Kimberly Mikesell
Willowbrook Teacher – Mike Burns
Phone –
630-458-4527 Phone – 630-782-3142
Email –
kmikesell@dupage88.net Email –
mburns@dupage88.net
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
August
22,
Wednesday—First Day of School
September
3,
Monday—No School
18, Tuesday—Family Night 6:00—7:00 (Room 234)
October
8,
Monday –No School
16, Tuesday—Family Night 6:00—7:00 (Room 234)
26, Friday—End of 1st Quarter
November
13, Tuesday—Parent/Teacher Conferences (Room 234)
19-23, Monday—Friday—No School
December
24-31, Monday—Monday—Winter Break
January
1—4, Tuesday—Friday—Winter Break
7,
Monday—Return to School
15—17, Tuesday—Thursday– Final Exams
17, Thursday—End of 1st Semester
18,
Friday —No School
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