AT RISK GENERAL INFORMATION

The School District of Onalaska has designed a program for children at risk in accordance with State Statutes 118.153. The program is designed to identify and serve those children who have difficulty completing regular curriculum programs. The goal is to assist students to successfully earn a school diploma.

The School District of Onalaska has designed a comprehensive program K12 to identify and serve students who are at risk.  The goal of the program is to assist students to successfully earn a high school diploma.

A.The state of Wisconsin identifies children at risk (Section 118.153) as:

1.Pupils in grades five to 12 who are one or more years behind their age group in the number of high school credits attained or two or more years behind their age group in basic skill levels and are also one or more of the following:

a.Dropouts.

"Dropout" means a child who ceased to attend school, does not attend a private or public school, technical college or home-based private educational program on a full-time basis, has not graduated from high school and does not have an acceptable excuse under s.118.15.

b.Habitual truants, as defined in s.118.16(1)(a).

A child is habitually truant from school when unexcused for part or all of five (5) or more days on which school is held during a semester.

c. Parents.

d.Adjudicated delinquents.

B.In addition to serving these students, the district will apply a broader definition identifying students who are experiencing difficulty in learning and achieving. The purpose of these interventions will be to improve or enhance student functioning through the cooperative efforts of students, parents, staff and the community.

Identification Procedures

A.All incoming records of transfer students are reviewed by the pupil services director. An entrance report is completed which indicates program needs and/or concern. A carbon copy is sent to the building guidance counselor for students identified as at risk.

B.Parents are asked to identify students who received any type of special educational services upon registration.

C.Computerized student attendance records are screened and used for identification purposes.

D.Records of students are reviewed by social workers and guidance counselors to monitor credit and academic deficiencies.

E.Non-special education needs referrals are initiated to provide additional information to parents and staff. After testing, a meeting is held and a plan is developed. This information remains on file for future reference and follow up.

F.Special education referrals are initiated when a student is suspected to have an impairment.

Curriculum Modifications, Alternative Programs and Remedial Instruction

A.Students in grades three through eight and ten participate in the Wisconsin State Assessment Program. The purpose of the testing is to provide remediation and curriculum improvement.

B.Title I and Remedial Reading services are provided K 8 to students.

C.Summer school is provided for enrichment, remediation and special education.

D.A full continuum of special education services is available in the district or through cooperative agreements with other districts.

E.Developmental guidance is provided, K 12.

F.The middle school implements a teacher advisor program, structured study group and after school tutoring.

G.The Basic Skills Program is available for students, grades 5-12. Tutorial support, computer based courses, and remediation in reading, math and written language is provided. Credits are given for participation.

H.All special education needs, disadvantaged, and Basic Skills students receive specialized career/vocational programming and counseling. Each student has an individualized plan on file. Job shadow, on campus, off-campus work experience is available. Credits are given for participation.

I.School Age Parent programming is provided to both male/female students.

J.Homebound instruction is provided for those students physically unable to attend school based on medical documentation.

K.Enrollment in Western Technical College Alternative Education Program is arranged by the counselor/assistant principal for those students desiring to continue their education in an alternative environment.

L.Wisconsin Career Information System (WCIS) material is used K 12.

M.Alternative diplomas are available to students.

Community Resources

A.Counselors and staff inform students of night school and summer classes offered at Western Technical College. Credits earned are applied to transcripts.

B.Franciscan Skemp Healthcare-Mayo Health System, provides adolescent day treatment which includes chemical/substance abuse treatment. Students enrolled in outpatient treatment continue to participate in classes with schedule modifications as needed.

C.Students whose needs cannot be met in the public school may be enrolled in the Leadership program operated by the Family and Children's Center. After hours programming may be purchased based on individual student plans.

D.Lutheran Hospital provides a Teen Health Program.

E.Coulee Council on Addictions provides alcohol and drug assessment, intervention and education.

F.DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is implemented in grade 5 through the cooperation of the county sheriff and the Onalaska Police Departments.

G.School personnel work cooperatively with social services and private agencies to provide coordinated counseling services for students/families.

H.School personnel work cooperatively with area hospitals and physicians to provide coordinated services for students/families.

Parental Involvement

A.Progress reports are provided periodically during the school year. These reports include academic achievement, attendance and teacher comments.

B.Two parent teacher conferences are held during the year. Conferences include both day and evening hours.

C.Each building has monthly parent listening committee meetings chaired by the building administrator.

D.Newsletters are sent out regularly.

E.All student schedules and changes are made with parent involvement.

F.Orientation meetings are held for parents at grades preschool, kindergarten, six and nine.

G.Parents are contacted regularly and encouraged to conference with teachers throughout the year.

H.Parents are notified about the Student Assistance Program.

I.Parents are represented on district advisory committees and involved in planning.

J.Parent education is provided.

K.Meetings (IEP's) are scheduled to facilitate parent participation.

L.Parent Connect is available to all parents in grades 6-12.

Education Plan

Diploma Options

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