The Village at Alternative Learning Community
Poet laureate, writer, author, and professor, Maya Angelou, once stated, “The potential in this country is so great, it makes me tremble and weep to see it go awry." Here at Alternative Learning Community (ALC) our primary goal is simply to prepare every student for success in middle school, high school, and beyond. We believe that with each student’s hard work, family support, and a nurturing and rigorous school community, this goal is achievable by all.
Here is the story of one African-American male student, Andre (not the student's real name), who made a significant transformation with the support of our whole "village". Andre was in peril of failing the 8th grade but transformed his non-caring, non-participatory, complacent attitude into a yes I can attitude. As you peruse Andre's story, understand he is a student whose poor grades were not a result of sporadic attendance or academic deficiency: he refused to complete the class work, submit the homework, or participate in class.
Once the ALC staff received the data of the number of eighth graders who were in danger of failing in the last seven weeks of the academic year, a red flag began to wave. The staff, cognizant of the fact that the goals for success for all ALC students’ were being challenged, called a meeting with several students and their family members.
Teachers, counselor, principal, and family outreach coordinator met with Andre and his stepmother. In the meeting the data of grades and behavior referrals were analyzed. Also, experiences of successes and struggles at home and at school were shared. This was, at times, emotionally challenging for Andre's stepmother. Immediately following the meeting Andre expressed his concern that the staff caused his stepmother to cry. At that moment, Andre failed to accept that it was his failure to achieve that was the source of her sadness.
After Andre shared his concerns a staff member was able to redirect him to understand that his stepmother was worried because she knew Andre could improve his grades. At this point, he began to take personal responsibility and approached each teacher to inquire about what was required of him to improve.
A week after the meeting with his stepmother and Andre's acceptance of responsibility for his success, he could already see his growth, not only in core subjects of math, science, and history, but also in his improved attitude and self esteem. When Andre received his next progress report it demonstrated his improvement from D’s and F’s to C’s. He was elated (as where his stepmother and the ALC staff!)
As a result of his motivation and determination to improve, Andre was rewarded with a lunch at the restaurant of his choice. He chose Sizzler. Pictures were taken and a small scrapbook was made marking this celebration, which he showed to friends with pride.
ALC salutes Andre, his stepmother, and our staff for providing the village concept and not permitting Andre’s “potential to go awry.”