Riverhead Central School District STAR Academy

1. Riverhead Central School District STAR Academy

2. The STAR Academy • Two programs in one: AM and PM sessions, each designed to accommodate student needs: • Credit recovery options • Childcare/family obligations • School-to-Career program • BOCES • Differentiated student management that reinforces positive responses and increases instruction time • Guidance Counselor and Teacher Facilitators offer full day support for students • Weekly SST/Faculty meetings offer support for teachers and staff

3. The School-to-Career Program • The School-to-Career program is a federal initiative that gives students opportunities to develop the skills necessary to thrive in the work force. • All STAR students are encouraged to participate in the School-to-Career program, which offers NYS approved course credit toward graduation. Students can earn up to two credits throughout their high school career. • Presently 33% of the STAR students enrolled for the 2009-2010 school year have ALREADY earned at least one course credit.

4. Aventa Learning/Credit Recoverywww.aventalearning.com • Aventa Learning is an online credit recovery program, where students work independently on a NYS aligned curriculum designed to assist students in recouping credits. • Aventa Learning’s rolling admission policy makes it an effective tool that can be utilized 12 months per year. • Currently 30 students are enrolled in the program. On average, students complete a course in 3.5 months. To date, students (ranging from seniors to sophomores) have successfully completed 25 courses. • In total, we anticipate at least 60 completed courses by the close of the current Aventa Learning contract.

5. Indicators of Success for Alternative Education Quantitative Measures • Increased graduation rates • Increased enrollment in 2 and 4 year college or technical schools • Increase in average daily attendance • Acquisition of requirement graduation credits • Improved social behavior Source: Alternative Education As a Quality Choice for Youth: Preparing Educators for Effective Programs (Kochler-Bryant and Lacey)

6. Supporting DATA: Attendance *2009-2010 information as of April 1, 2010

7. Supporting DATA: Discipline * 2009-2010 information as of April 1, 2010

8. Supporting DATA: Graduation * 2009-2010 information as of April 1, 2010

9. Indicators of Success for Alternative Education Qualitative Measures • Student recognition that their actions, hard work, improved grades, graduation, and attitude will help them be viewed as successful • Significant increase in self-esteem • Greater focus on academics and improved attitude toward school • Student reports of benefits from one-to-one instruction with teachers • Students’ expressed belief that they have benefited from the program and expressed high levels of satisfaction Source: Alternative Education As a Quality Choice for Youth: Preparing Educators for Effective Programs (Kochler-Bryant and Lacey)

10. “Start Today, Achieve Results” “I came to STAR because it helps me stay on top of my work. I no longer get in trouble and it gives me an opportunity to catch up on my credits.” -- Matthew Taylor 10th Grade Student “STAR Academy has helped with my grades and made me realize that being immature and not doing work will not get me anywhere in life.” -- Yocelin Garcia 11th Grade Student “STAR Academy has helped me by making me realize that my education is the most important thing in my life. Without it, I would be nothing.” -- Joshua Perez 11th Grade Student “STAR Academy helped me a lot. This year I am going to earn credits. I want to go to BOCES and STAR will help me get there.” -- Richard Kinney 9th Grade Student “STAR Academy has helped me be more focused in school and get my grades higher. I now realize that school is important.” -- Marquisha Hines 11th Grade Student “The best part of STAR is that every teacher cares about every student and tries to do whatever they can for us.” -- Devery Sykes 11th Grade Student