One Size Doesn't Fit All - alternative schools and education programmes

School Administrator, May, 2001 by Mark A. Edwards, Vicki B. Wilson

Prior to admission, students participate in a screening activity run by the district's Center for Career Assessment Services. The student and a parent must attend a community orientation as well as a mandatory interview with the vocational instructor. Together, they develop a career plan.

The staff at Virginia Randolph includes a principal, an assistant principal, an administrative aide, a guidance counselor and a guidance resource technician. The guidance technician provides students with assistance in applying for jobs, trade schools, colleges and scholarships.

The school's goal is to "reclaim, restore, reconnect, redirect and rekindle their interests in learning and achieving" through vocational and educational opportunities.

Teachers divide each class into quarter units. Students earn a credit in each nine-week unit, which ends with a 90-minute assessment. Students have four curricular options: a 1 1/2-year vocational certificate, a 2 1/2-year vocational certificate, a 21-credit diploma or a 23-credit diploma. The time required to obtain a high school diploma or a vocational certificate varies for each student.

To complement the courses required for a diploma, students may pursue one of 11 vocational programs: auto body, auto service, brick masonry, business, carpentry, culinary arts, electricity, horticulture, maintenance mechanics, printing and travel and tourism. Each student receives individual attention with a particular emphasis on regular attendance and preparation for the job market.

Last year, 48 students earned their high school diplomas and received a total of $3,900 in post-secondary scholarships.

Special Needs

Each of Henrico's eight comprehensive high schools has a center-based program devoted to a particular interest area. Centers include engineering, leadership development, communications, fine arts, foreign language immersion, math/science technology, humanities and a full International Baccalaureate program.

Virginia Randolph houses the Center for Diversified Studies, where a full-time coordinator creates tailor-made programs that are student self-directed. Learning opportunities are designed for each student and may involve schools and teachers throughout the county.

Students from any Henrico County High School may apply to this center to complete the classes they need to meet graduation requirements. Students are provided opportunities to complete programs commensurate with their levels of achievement, skills, interests or needs. The program offers courses leading to an advanced studies general diploma and/or completion of a vocational technical certificate.

Some students are not able to attend classes during the traditional school day. New Bridge Evening School, which shares the same facility as New Bridge Elementary, provides an opportunity for these students to pursue a high school diploma in the evenings. Classes are held from 5 to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Students can complete one class each quarter for a maximum of four credits in an academic year. Students may enroll in English 11, English 12, U.S. history, U.S. government and/or integrated math at no cost. Instruction is personalized and emphasizes learning and study skills.