Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, February 22, 1995 TAG: 9502220071
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Roanoke's alternative education program goes uptown today.
The program for students who have trouble learning in a traditional environment has moved to a former shopping center near Roanoke Regional Airport.
It's part of a new image for the program, which was housed at the old Addison Middle School on Orange Avenue Northwest for several years.
The change is in keeping with the national trend toward putting alternative education programs in shopping centers - an environment that might be more conducive to learning.
``This will be a message to the students that they are not forgotten, that they have not been overlooked,'' said School Superintendent Wayne Harris.
Students who get into trouble in traditional programs sometimes get down on themselves and feel they are shunted aside, he said.
``This will be a statement to the students on the importance of the program,'' Harris said.
The school system has leased nearly 20,000 square feet in the former Valley Court, originally known as Celebration Station, that has been renovated to provide offices, classrooms and computer labs.
All rooms and halls are carpeted, a far-reaching improvement over the previous Spartan environment.
Nearly 190 high school and middle school students will be taught in the new alternative education center. The city's drop-in academy for students who are trying to complete their high school requirements at night also will be located there.
In an effort to build school spirit and enthusiasm, Harris said, the students will choose the school's name, mascot and other identifying traits.
Brenda Tudor, who teaches earth sciences, biology and physical sciences, said the environment in the new school has created a better attitude toward learning.
``These are nice, carpeted facilities,'' said Jennifer Anderson, a middle school math and science teacher.
Michael McIntosh, an administrator, said the alternative program has a faculty and staff of 24. The program has been upgraded since last year, when a consultants' report said it had been mismanaged, failed to comply with policies and to keep full records, and used some unlicensed teachers.
All of the nonlicensed teachers have been replaced since last summer.
The consultants' study was done because of complaints about management of alternative education, lack of discipline and financial problems.
Harris said the report confirmed what school administrators had suspected - that the alternative education program needed to be redesigned.
The consultants recommended that the program be expanded and moved to a site like Valley Court.
It serves students in grades six through 12 who have behaviorial or academic problems or poor attendance or who have been suspended for long periods.
Harris said school officials have worked in recent months to correct the problems that were cited by the consultants.
He said the program will be held to the same administrative, financial and academic standards as other schools and must abide by the same rules.
The center will expand students' experience and sharpen their ability to think and solve problems, Harris said.
The school system has leased 19,000 square feet for five years, at $6 per square foot, with an option to add 10,000 square feet.
The students will ride shuttle buses from their original schools to the former shopping center at Hershberger Road and Interstate 581. Cafeteria food will be brought to the center.
Private business and community agencies will be encouraged to use the facilities. Regional participation with other school districts will be explored to allow as many children as possible to use the program.
by CNB