2023-05-19 00:38:00
Rhonda Jacobs, director of alternative schools for Springfield Public Schools, said she wants to use Springfield Success Academy, one of the district’s adult learning programs, to connect with disengaged or unenrolled students who have dropped out of school during the COVID pandemic. -19.
With the recent approval of a $100,000 state grant for and professional development, Jacobs expects to receive more applicants than the school can handle. The funds will allow the academy to support up to 100 students.
Jacobs has been the Principal of the Alternative School for 11 years and with Springfield Schools for 27 years in many roles, including Assistant Principal and Alternative Schools Adjustment Counselor.
“I love alternative schools. I love the challenge at the adult level,” said Jacobs. “I cry for that.”
Jacobs, who runs the program with Yolanda D. Johnson, the head of student services at Springfield Public Schools, said the program has taken two years to develop.
The night school program started in January 2021, with 11 students.
Jacobs and Johnson said they opted to keep the first cohort small to learn more regarding the students’ needs, Jacobs said.
With that data, the team saw an opportunity to reimagine how they would make returning adult learners feel supported in continuing their education, Jacobs said.
With a history of addressing graduation and dropout rates, Jacobs and Johnson care regarding impacting individuals and families.
“In the alternative school, the focus is one person at a time,” Jacobs said.
The program will focus on young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 who have withdrawn from public school in recent years.
To enroll, students must be Springfield residents, retired from public school and committed to the program, they said.
Students will receive a laptop and a hearty snack such as milk, juice, cheese, apples, and crackers. In addition, students will be able to use the newly equipped gym and classes will also have smart boards.
Johnson and Jacobs identified areas of professional development for teachers in the program and worked closely with Springfield Public Schools Director of Communications Azell Cavaan to advertise the program to prospective students.
“We got together and took on the job to close the opportunity gap,” Johnson said. “It was a lot of planning, thinking and praying.”
Leaders say the program has received a lot of interest.
The program aims to help students transform and maintain their financial well-being.
“It’s regarding economics,” Johnson said. “The surest way to reach the middle class is through education.”
Translated by Damaris Pérez Pizarro
1684457426
#Springfield #schools #expand #adult #diploma #program
