New Directions Alternative Program

Uplift Academy The UPLIFT Concept: A 21 st Century focused Learning Model for Learners with Personalized Learning Environments and Needs

is a multi-faceted, alternative educational program aimed at providing students personalized learning experiences through blended instruction, behavioral awareness, employment and community service opportunities to foster successful transition to continual pursuit of educational and lifelong goals.

UPLIFT Concept Implementation UPLIFT’s strategy is implemented using a number of educational software programs and on-line instructional courses, as well as face-to-face instruction, project-based learning, and assessment. The program’s curriculum offers extended learning and development opportunities through an active guest speaker forum, as well as orientation and assistance regarding community service and employment.

Specific Programs GradPoint: a licensed online software program that offers a wide variety of on-line courses for middle and high school students. Project Wisdom: a subscription-based, character-building education program. Project-Based Learning: an instructional method in which students will actively learn through the exploration of contemporary problems or topics of real-world significance.

Monitoring, Student Reflection, Feedback, and Evaluation Weekly Progress: Students are given weekly plans on Mondays. Their schedules are based on academic progress and individual needs. Student progress will primarily be determined by GradPoint pre- and post-test performance to measure progress. Checkpoint Assessment will be used as appropriate. In addition, instructors will periodically request oral or written student reflection reports on their learning. Parental and Guardian Involvement: Weekly progress reports are charted to show academic and behavior progress, and will be shared with parents or guardians automatically, weekly.

Employment: Students that are age appropriate will be encouraged to seek employment to foster responsibility, positive character-building traits, and work experience in various occupational assignments. Participating in community service projects presents students with an avenue to complete documentable work and leadership experience, an opportunity to give back to the community, and to learn about networking and how society works. Guest Speakers: On Fridays, guest speakers will be invited to speak on a variety of topics, such as careers, citizenship, legal topics, substance abuse, etc. Learning through Community Relations and Engagement Community Service

Community Involvement

PERSONALIZED LEARNING INSTRUCTION DYNAMIC GUEST SPEAKER BLENDED INSTRUCTION FACE-TO-FACE INSTRUCTION LEGAL TOPICS MOTIVATING

General Schedule

Leveled Behavior System Structured Behavioral Skills Program Point and Level System Is an approach used to work with students that may have challenging behaviors. It reinforces positive behavior through points and an organizational framework. Each level must be completed within the allotted time frame to move to the next level. If points are deducted for inappropriate attire or behavior, the student still has an opportunity to recover the day by making good choices. If the student does not make the minimum score for the level, then he or she will have to start the week over again. The days must be consecutively completed in order to move. We make a big deal when a student moves from one level to another, because that’s progress! The student is rewarded as followed: Level 1 – 15 Days (60 – 70) 1- Listen to headset for an hour of the day 2- Purchase snacks during lunch Level 2 – 10 Days (65 – 70) 1- Listen to headset for an hour of the day 2- Purchase snacks during lunch 3- Dress down on Fridays, may wear jeans, sneakers and a tee-shirt Level 3 – 5 Days (67 – 70) 1- Listen to headset for two hours of the day 2-Purchase snacks during lunch 3- Dress down on Fridays, may wear jeans, sneakers and a tee-shirt 4 - May have access to an ipad on Fridays

Special Thanks To Dr. James Thorton Heather Tuck Laura Abel Susan Goetz Lynn Briggs Teresa Brindle Tammie Rollins-Hines Karen Franklin Division Curriculum Coordinators Casey Roberts James Christian Smithfield High School Danny Soderholm Windsor High School Fred Eng Smithfield Middle School Staff Iris MCallister UPLIFT Academy Staff Central Office Staff James R. Ford James L. Ford, III