Competency 4: Curriculum, Instruction, Supervision

Related Task:
4.1

Knowledge of alternate educational programs for a particular group of

children.

Specific Task:
4.1.2 Observe and report significant activities of an alternative school or
classroom for potential or actual dropouts.

Smart Goal:
Interview and report on Lake Orion Community Schools Learning Options
program by April 7th, 2015. Also, conduct a clinical observation by April 7th,
2015.

Narrative Description of Specific Task:

Interview Learning Options principal Drew Tollerton on what the most
significant components of his program are. Talk about the programs goals,
accomplishments, and vision for the future. Finally, discuss determining
factors for student success in an alternative program.

Understand the key components of a successful alternative

education program for potential or actual dropouts.
Specific

Measure graduation rates of the Learning Options program to

determine whether or not the school is meeting the needs of the
students.
Measurable

Attainable

Relevant

Reflect upon the significant components of the Learning Options

program while comparing and contrasting them to other alternative
programs within Oakland County

Through my educational experience I have developed a passion for

working with At-Risk students. I have continued to work toward
fostering mentorship with At-Risk students while identifying what
they need to be successful. Also, as of the 2014-2015 school year
Learning Options has moved from the high school to the CERC
Building (former high school) where they can be removed from the
general education students.

Timely

As of the 2014-2015 school year Lake Orion Community Schools

restructured the administration of the Learning Options program by
hiring an assistant principal for the position as well as adding the
virtual academy and adult education.

Narrative Description of Task:

In order to identify the significant activities of the alternative school in Lake
Orion I scheduled a time to visit and interview the principal of the program,
Drew Tollerton. Prior to the meeting I advised Mr. Tollerton of my interests
and the purpose of the meeting. At that point I devised a list of questions
that would allow me to target areas of interest.
While meeting with Mr. Tollerton the focus of our discussion revolved around
strategies that are beneficial for At-Risk students in the alternative program.
The main ideas were early identification and building positive relationships.
We also discussed various concepts of alternative education that he has
come across. From our discussion it seems that many alternative program
concepts in Oakland County are dictated by budgetary constraints. As a
result of this many programs are either dissolved, absorbed into the high
schools, or pushed in the direction of virtual education.
Finally, we took a closer look at his alternative program and discussed the
vision he had for the future. Mr. Tollertons vision was centered on the ideas
of continued post-secondary preparedness and an increase in service-based
learning. Achieving this vision would allow the alternative education students
in the Learning Options program to gain positive life experiences further
preparing them for post-secondary education or the work force.

Reflection:
As this was my last competency to complete I had an inclination that
relationships with students and staff members was, once again going to be

vital. In my experience with At-Risk students I have found that they respond
best to teachers that show they truly care about them as a person and are
willing to take the time to get to know them. These students also often have
a heightened sense of awareness which allows them the ability to read
adults.
I choose this competency because I have developed a passion for mentoring
and educating At-Risk youth. Up to this point I have only had a limited
experience with alternative education, having been a substitute teacher for
Brandon School Districts alternative program several times. I saw this as a
great opportunity to gain valuable skills that would allow me to pursue
administration in alternative education. Going forward I want to continue to
observe daily operations of our alternative education, as well as research
other potential concepts that have been proven successful.