Program Success Christian Reader September 2007 | Page 24

24 The Christian Reader September 2007
New Program in Duval County Encourages
Drop-Outs to “Drop Back In”
Many students “Drop Back In” to earn their high school diploma with
Alternatives Unlimited’s program for students who have not been
successful in a traditional high school setting. In August of 2006,
Alternatives Unlimited, a 10-year-old for profit company, opened five
“Drop Back In” sites throughout Duval County. Starting with five
students, the enrollment increased to almost 800 students at the end of
the year. With the addition of another site, a total of six schools are
located in the Northside,
Southside,
Westside,
Eastside
and
in
Arlington for the 2006-
2007 school year.
Students are allowed to
work at their own pace
to finish the credits
needed to obtain their
Duval County High
School diploma. They
must follow the same
criteria as a “regular”
student, earning 24
assigned
credits,
maintaining a 2.0 GPA,
passing
the
FCAT
Reading and Math, and
in addition, completing
40 hours of community
service. Amazingly, 98
students walked across
the stage at First Coast
High School for Duval
DBIA’s first graduation,
with 40 earning diplomas and 48 earning Certificates of Completion.
(Those students will go to classes this summer and retake the FCAT or
will return in the fall to work on these skills.)
There are no costs or tuition for students in the Drop Back In Academy.
Under a contract with the Duval County School Board, it is funded
through per-student state funding generated by the students in the
program with 95% of the money going to Alternatives Unlimited and
5% kept by the district.
The program is designed for students ages 16-20; so even if it has been
a couple of years since they quit, older students can go back to finish
their high school education. In addition to math, intensive reading and
FCAT review, students get training in daily life skills, personal
hygiene, goal-setting and preparing for a career. Their typical school
day of five hours is comprised of 75% computer work and 25% direct
instruction. Each site has a certified Lead Teacher, Teacher and an
Aide, supervised by a Director.
A unique and successful concept is that the DBIA’s are in partnership
with local churches because most sites are located in spaces leased
from churches. This has proven to be beneficial to the students, the
parents, the church, and the community. Volunteers within the church
community help in the schools and provide positive role models for the
students.
Duval County DBIA is opening two more sites for the fall and
anticipates over 1000 students. In addition to Duval and Broward
Counties, more Drop Back In Academies are opening in Polk and Palm
Beach Counties for the 2007-2008 school year, thanks to the hard work
of Dr. Gerald Luongo,
VP of Florida DBIA.
All counties are now
accepting applications
for the new school
year.
Students are finding
that they indeed can be
successful and can
graduate from high
school
with
individualized help
and guidance from
caring,
accepting
adults. All students
can learn and succeed
at their own time, at
their own pace, with
their own gifts. Drop
Back In Academies
are proving this big
time!
For more information
on the Drop-Back-In program through Alternatives Unlimited, visit
www.alternativesunlimited.com or call 904-448-6180.