Meeting with UD Students about J Term:

Basic Information about the ALC

o 11th and 12th grade students from Hempstead and Senior. Students are
still Hempstead and Senior students. Students are selected by the
student needs facilitators at Hempstead and Senior, in coordination
with administration and counselors, based on student need and
demonstration of their willingness to participate in the ALC program.
o Terms. How J Term is different, daily schedule
Our students
o Student body makeup
Demographics from data team
22% Black, 6% Hispanic, 66% White, 2% mixed, 2%
Pacific Islander
11 students with IEPs
Proficiency on Iowa Tests: 42% Reading, 49% Math
70% Free/Reduced Lunch
o How they ended up with us
Got behind when younger, transiency, life circumstances (out of
their control), life circumstance (in their control), struggle to
assimilate, mental health, disenfranchised for other reason
Large numbers of our students struggle with school
because of outside factors; unstable family life, mental
health problems, poverty, unpredictable living situations,
drug use, teen parenthood, transiency, etc.
o Myths debunked
Talk to UD students about assumptions/questions, what our
students are like
Rules/expectations (handbook)
o Separate sheet. Give each UD student a copy
Alternative Education thoughts
Classroom management
o Not that different from other classrooms; make intentional decisions
Listen
Understand that behaviors happen for a reason
Context
Body language
Calm demeanor- dont escalate the situation and dont take
it/make it personal
Consistency
Utilize supports
Relationships with students
o Pay attention- some students an open book, others need to ease into
relationship
o Balance between letting them in and keeping it professional
o Dont be offended when students are guarded- be the caring individual
you are and even if they dont show it, they appreciate it