OVERVIEW

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy for Excellence provides an environment which combines a humane, nurturing and positive-laden climate with an effective and committed learning community. This offers opportunities for students to develop a set of values which will enable them to become well-rounded students and live purposeful productive lives. It is the intent of the Academy to develop diverse, innovative programs that will lead to exemplary results, a positive public image and the opportunity for students to transition back to the traditional school setting where they will be able to complete their education.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy for Excellence is designed to address the individual academic, social/behavioral and physical and emotional needs of all students enrolled. A unique feature of the Academy is an intervention model that utilizes Case Management and Multidisciplinary Teams comprising social workers, teachers, counselors, parents, students and community professional who combine their efforts to work more holistically with students.

The program's duration for each student ranges from 3 - 18 months, depending on the need of the individual student. An extensive follow-up process to assist students and schools in the students' transition back to the regular school environment is another unique feature of the Academy. Parental involvement is an additional critical component of the program. Parents will be encouraged to participate in the initial meeting and throughout their child's enrollment in the academy. The Academy is a committed and dedicated group of individuals who are concerned and care about working with the students that need an alternative educational setting.

MISSION STATEMENT

Martin Luther King Jr. Academy for Excellence provides students with a positive educational opportunity that will allow them to succeed academically, behaviorally, and socially to become responsible members of the larger community.

PURPOSE

• Provide an alternative program for middle and high school students whose conduct prevents them from succeeding in their regular school.

• Provide an environment that is conducive to improving the behavior and attendance of students admitted to ML King Academy and assist them in experiencing academic success.

• Provide a highly structured program that balances behavior modification with high academic standards.

KEYS TO SUCCESS

• Low student to teacher ratio

• Strong support from the counselors & social workers

• Qualified & dedicated staff

• High academic goals that are individualized for students

• Positive reinforcement of students

• A consistent discipline system

• A curriculum that is aligned with Kentucky's core content and program of studies

• A curriculum that is aligned to the same high standards as the regular curriculum

• A focus for students that includes social skills, life skills, and self-discipline

• The use of Thematic units

PROGRAM STRENGTHS

• Classroom and computer based instruction

• High quality, engaging, and supportive instruction

• A structured approach to discipline and behavior management

• Clearly identified student outcomes

• Family, community, and agency involvement

• Quality professional development

• Continuous assessment of the program and students

• District level support

DISCIPLINE

• Clear and consistent rules posted in the classrooms

• Predictable, consistent consequences

• Direct teaching of rules with practice

• Multiple levels of support for demonstrating the correct behavior

• Consistent, corrective feedback for behavior infractions

REFERRAL

Schools may refer students to the ML King Academy through school teams (Student Assistance Teams, Admissions Release Committee) made up of principals, counseling staff, teachers, and others. School teams are held accountable to present measurable data and evidence of intervention strategies applied over a period of time. Schools must demonstrate substantial efforts to help the student be successful in the regular school setting. With exceptional cases (extreme violence or drug involvement) a "fast track" referral can be requested. This improvement referral process, initiated for the 2001-2002 school year, has had the following results:

• Referrals to ML King Academy were more appropriate

• Greater efforts on the part of regular schools to succeed with students through appropriate interventions

• A more objective referral process with clearly established guidelines

SUMMARY

The alternative program at ML King Academy is an essential feature of the mission of the school district. Students find success in the smaller supportive setting. Students success is demonstrated through academic achievements, attitude, self-esteem, and self discipline. This success requires a higher level of support and the availability of a greater array of resources than the school of residence is able to provide.