Albert Lea, MN. - On its website the Albert Lea Area Learning Center (ALC) states its mission: to help students in special circumstances achieve success upon which they can build. Achieving that mission is exactly what Principal in Charge Eric Van Brocklin has done by utilizing EdOptions Stars Suite®.
Students who attend Albert Lea ALC are sent from traditional schools for reasons including suspensions, expulsion, attendance problems, health problems, and credit deficiency. In addition, due to word of mouth, more and more dropout students find their way to the school to take those last few credits in order to receive a high school diploma.
Mr. Van Brocklin, who previously worked with EdOptions, brought Stars Suite® into the classes at Albert Lea ALC this year. During the school day, students have the ability to work on courses not available through the Area Learning Center by using Stars Suite®. After hours, from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, the computer lab is open to any student needing extra time to work on courses. One teacher manages the lab and provides one-on-one guidance.
Those seeking a few credits to graduate or who have previously dropped out have the option to work online from home or from school as long as they meet the required seat time.
Stars Suite® gives administrators the ability to pull varoius reports - including an audit report that details each student's activity on course work with time stamps. "Not all kids learn the same way and many have barriers that prevent them from attending on a regular basis. This program allows the student to work at his own pace without the stress of feeling behind in the assignments presented," says Van Brocklin. For example one student, Victor, said "I only needed to complete 2 credits in order to receive my diploma. I had quite coming to school because I didn't think I could finish if I had to be there all day. With the EdOptions program I was able to complete my work at my own pace and get my diploma."
Like Victor, other students are already seeing success. 9 out of the 10 students who graduated this year did so with the help of EdOptions. "I have used EdOptions for the past 5 years to help all kinds of learners find success and flexibility in their education. This program has been a lifesaver for dropouts, credit recovery, students who need to work, those who struggle with traditional classrooms, and those who like to work independently," Van Brocklin says.
