Wednesday, 07/05/06

Summit program finishes successful first year

Nineteen students finished high school in Dickson County this year who otherwise might not have had the opportunity because they lacked the credits due to an illness, failed classes, childbirth or other personal issues.

These 19 students are the product of the school system’s Summit program, which just completed its first year.

“My goal was to have right at 20 diplomas to hand out this year, so I was very pleased with 19,” Attendance Supervisor John Gunn said. “The work these students go through is very intense, but also very individualized, which is what makes the difference I think.”

The program is designed to help 17-year-old students who are at risk of dropping out of high school by providing them the opportunity to earn their diplomas through the adult education program.

Funding for the program is worked into the school system’s yearly budget and from donations from WorkForce Essentials and state grants.

Gunn said the program even took advantage of state money to offer online classes in algebra and English to add even more flexibility in scheduling for students. It is run from New Directions Academy in Charlotte.

Students are referred to the program by their high school and complete an application process and interview to determine whether they qualify for Summit.

“These are usually very motivated students when they come to us, so we want to make sure they are ready to succeed,” Gunn said. “They have to show a good recent history in attendance and discipline and have passed at least one gateway test.”

Students attend classes 20 hours per week, in the morning or in the afternoon. The schedule is meant to be flexible enough to work around employment and family demands.

“The classes are taught by one teacher and an assistant, so it is not unusual to have several different subjects being taught at the same time, which makes it a very unique learning environment,” Gunn said.

The program also allows students to receive their diploma by earning 20 credits, which is the state minimum rather than the county’s credit minimum of 28, New Directions Academy Principal Karen Willie said.

“This is a very meaningful program for me, watching these students who thought they couldn’t do anything with school finally get their diploma after being so failure oriented when it comes to their education,” Willie said. “This program has become a real turning point for a lot of young lives, and I look forward to seeing it grow even more next year.”

Willie points to recent grads pursuing careers in nursing and attending vocational school as proof of the program’s success.

For more information about the Summit Program contact the school at 740-6070 or visit www.dicksoncountyschools.org/nda/Index.htm.