Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, September 13, 1994 TAG: 9409130053
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
The records were so bad that it was difficult to determine how many students were enrolled last year and how many attended each day, the consultants said. The program reportedly had 139 students enrolled, but only 50 to 55 attended daily.
The report also said there were ``irregularities'' in grade promotions. Some students earned credits in a ``surprisingly brief time.'' There were cases where students were promoted two or more grades in one academic year.
Only nine of 20 teachers held Virginia certificates. Some taught courses they were not licensed to teach.
The report was prepared by The McKenzie Group of Washington, D.C., at the request of Superintendent Wayne Harris. The study was initiated because of complaints about management of alternative education, lack of discipline and financial problems.
Harris said the report confirmed what school administrators had expected - that the alternative education program needed to be redesigned.
The consultants recommended that the program be expanded and moved. They said there isn't adequate space at its current site, the Addison Magnet Middle School, and that the building isn't designed for it.
Harris has proposed that the alternative education center be moved to Valley Court Mall at Interstate 581 and Hershberger Road near Roanoke Regional Airport. The School Board is expected to approve the move tonight.
The school system plans to lease nearly 20,000 square feet in the mall, which would be renovated to provide office, classroom and laboratory space. The renovation would be designed to accommodate 100 students initially, with expansion planned for 150 by spring.
The new center, to be called Technovation Plaza, would open by February. It would serve students from grades six through 12 who have behavioral or academic problems, have poor attendance records, have been expelled or suspended for a long period, or have other problems.
Technovation Plaza would be a skill-based, technology-driven program combined with clear academic and behavioral standards that would prepare students for the workplace or postsecondary education, Harris said.
Students in need of emotional and social assistance would meet regularly with a psychologist. There would be regularly scheduled group counseling and guidance sessions.
Students would visit colleges and universities such as Hampton University, North Carolina A&T and Virginia Tech. While the intent is to provide a broad range of experiences, Harris said, the emphasis would be on trips that motivate the students to aspire toward higher education or well-paying jobs.
Harris said federal grants would help pay for equipment at the plaza. Local funds would help pay for the staff, while $300,000 has been set aside for alterations on the new facility and $60,000 for leasing and utilities.
After the plaza began operating, private businesses and community agencies would be encouraged to use the facility and equipment for personnel training and service. Regional participation with other school districts would be explored to allow as many children as possible to use it, Harris said.
William Hackley was administrator of alternative education and George Franklin was director of the program last year. Hackley has retired, and Franklin was not rehired.
The consultants' report criticized Hackley and Franklin on some issues, particularly on management practices and discipline.
``The two administrators remained in or near the door of the main office through most of the three-day visit by the review team,'' the report said. ``Neither was observed to be an active presence with students in the halls. Both interacted with students and parents in the administrative offices.''
The consultants witnessed loud talking, jostling and pushing among students. In several classrooms, the report said, there was loud talking by a few students throughout the classes. One teacher never left his desk despite disruptive behavior at the rear of the room.
Hackley said Monday that he had no comment on the report. Franklin could not be reached for comment.
Harris has taken other steps to implement the consultants' recommendations for redesigning the alternative education program and upgrading its curriculum.
Michael McIntosh, who used to work in Danville's alternative education program, has been hired as administrator. Rebecca Sears, a former college teacher, has been appointed as curriculum specialist. Only 12 of 29 staff members from the past year have been rehired, mainly because many do not have valid teaching certificates.
Franklin and other former staff members have protested Harris' decision. They say that the superintendent said they would have two years to get the teaching certificates. Harris, however, said he never promised they would keep their jobs.
Harris said the report shows that students in the program were not challenged academically or taught to broaden their thinking and analytical skills.
``The teaching and learning process at alternative education was not deemed to be at the standard we expect in Roanoke,'' Harris said. ``There was no way to check this perception, however, because no teacher or program evaluations existed.''
The program's dropout rate has been approximately 33 percent. There were no records on what students did after they left the program.
by CNB