Opportunities In Learning
Mailing Address: 89 VT Rte 103 South, Chester, Vermont 05143-9280
Phone: 802.226.7385 FAX: 802.226.7305
Keith Johnson creative problem-solving during an
exercise in art class at Opportunities In Learning,
March 2008.
RIGOR RELEVANCE RELATIONSHIPS
BACKGROUND
Opportunities In Learning is an alternative education program that serves elementary and secondary students within the Windsor Southwest Supervisory Union who are struggling to succeed in the mainstream setting. In order to assist the struggling learner, the program is designed to offer students with a structured, differentiated approach to learning. Our small student to teacher ratio allows students to receive individualized instruction that focuses on the emotional and academic needs and interest of the learner, as well as to provide the flexibility to design individualized plans for success. Opportunities In Learning is starting its 6th year of operation.
MISSION STATEMENT
It is the purpose of the Opportunities In Learning Program to meet the social, emotional and academic needs of students by maintaining a safe, structured and nurturing environment that is focused on learning. When appropriate, students have the option of transitioning back to their sending school, attending the vocational center, engaging in work study, planning transition into adult life or preparing for the GED. Administrators, Teachers, Assistants, Service Providers and Consultants are determined to work together to provide students at Opportunities with:
*A Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
*Coping and social skill training and practice
*A strong academic focus to increase the likelihood of success in high school, college
and post secondary training
*Individual Functional Behavioral Assessment, matched with a learning profile that
identifies learning strengths and needs, and will be used to design accommodations
to increase each student’s potential for success
*Positive student to staff relationships
*Connections with outside local agencies
*Long term goal development for transition back to sending school and/or
postsecondary life
PHILOSOPHY
It is our belief that learning is the fundamental purpose of education and that all students deserve the opportunity to be successful in school and to develop to their fullest potential, both academically and socially. We believe that is best accomplished in an environment where each student feels safe, supported and accepted; and where students experience structure, consistent positive feedback and strong relationships with peers and adults.
It is our belief that collaboration is a critical component to student and program success. Opportunities adheres to a team model where administrators, teachers, students and parents work together to create and monitor each student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP). Families are encouraged to take an active role in their child’s educational experience at Opportunities.
COMMON BELIEFS
Students will work to meet their fullest potential by practicing:
RESPECT
Students will respect themselves, others and property.
RESPONSIBILITY
Students will accept responsibility for their choices and actions.
SAFE ENVIRONMENT
Students will maintain a safe, peaceful, and healthy learning environment by abiding by classroom rules, school board policies, state and federal laws.
SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Academics:
Opportunities In Learning follows the curriculum of the schools within the Windsor Southwest Supervisory Union, and the Vermont State Standards Framework and Grade Expectations. In order to meet the varying needs of each student we teach the academic skills and knowledge essential for success in mainstreamed schooling with an individualized approach that is aimed towards meeting a variety of learning styles.
High School:
Opportunities works with students from Green Mountain Union High School.
The grade range is from 9th grade to 12th grade
Students can attend technical schools connected to their high school
Opportunities follows the same curriculum requirements for graduation as GMUHS
Physical Education is required for graduation. Medical excuses from physical education class must be approved by the school nurse prior to class
Report Cards are issued quarterly and are aligned with the GMUHS marking period
The grading scale is based on the student’s neighborhood school criteria and credits are assigned accordingly
Students can participate in all extra curricular activities in their neighborhood school Families will be responsible for arranging transport to any after school practices
Transitions in this program will be based around quarter and semester breaks
Students may participate in a work study program if appropriate and under the supervision of the administrator
Full Day students will participate in Friday Functional Learning activities that work on developing social skills
Middle School:
Students attend Floodbrook and GMUHS
The grades served are 7th and 8th
The curriculum for our middle school program follows a similar curriculum to the student’s neighborhood school
The students in the middle school are also working intensively on developing communication and social skills to enable them to be successful in the mainstreamed classroom
Report Cards are issued quarterly and follow the GMUHS marking period. The grading scale is based on the student’s neighborhood school criteria
Students can participate in all extra curricular activities in their neighborhood school (i.e, sports teams…). Families will be responsible for arranging transport to any after school practices
Transitions in this program will be based around quarter and semester breaks
Students will participate in Friday Functional Learning activities that work on developing social skills
Elementary School:
Students in our elementary grades are from Cavendish Town Elementary School, Chester-Andover Elementary School and Floodbrook School
The grade range is from 1st grade to 6th grade
The curriculum for our elementary program follows a similar curriculum to the student’s neighborhood school
The students in the elementary school are also working intensively on developing communication and social skills to enable them to be successful in the mainstreamed classroom
Report Cards are issued quarterly and follow the GMUHS marking period. The grading scale is based on the student’s neighborhood school criteria
Students can participate in all extra curricular activities in their neighborhood school (i.e, sports teams…). Families will be responsible for arranging transport to any after school practices
Transitions in this program will be based around quarter and semester breaks
Students will participate in Friday Functional Learning activities that work on developing social skills
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