GRADUATION INCENTIVES

A student under the age of 21 must meet one of the following legislative criteria, or Graduation Incentive, to be eligible to choose a non-traditional education program: 1. Performs substantially below performance level.

St. James Area Learning Academy

2. Is at least one year behind in satisfactorily completing course work. 3. Is pregnant or a parent. 4. Has been assessed as chemically dependent. 5. Has been excluded or expelled. 6. Has been referred by a school district for enrollment in an eligible nontraditional program. 7. Has been physically or sexually abused. 8. Has experienced mental health problems. 9. Has been homeless sometime in the 6 months. 10. Speaks English as a second language. 11. Has withdrawn from school or has been chronically truant.

St. James Public School District #840 1001 10th Ave. No. St. James, MN 56081

Phone (507) 375-3381 Fax (507) 375-5438 www.stjames.k12.mn .us

HIGH EXPECTATIONS REAL RESULTS

What is the St. James Area Learning Academy?

THE ST. JAMES AREA LEARNING ACADEMY SERVES STUDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS AT-RISK IN A STRUCTURED ENVIRONMENT THAT INCREASES THEIR BASIC SKILLS, CONNECTS THEM TO THEIR COMMUNITY, AND CHALLENGES THEM TO BE LIFE-LONG LEARNERS. INNOVATIVE CURRICULUM, A 15-1 STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO, A CARING, ENTHUSIASTIC STAFF, AND A SAFE CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT HELP STUDENTS BUILD SELF-RESPECT AND CREATE OPTIONS FOR THEIR FUTURE. THE STJALA IS A SCHOOL-WITHIN-ASCHOOL ALC MODEL THAT WILL USE ARMSTRONG SCHOOL, SHARE OTHER FACILITIES AND TEACHERS WITH ST. JAMES HIGH SCHOOL. ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS ARE FULFILLED PERIODS 1 THROUGH 3, AND ELECTIVE OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE PERIODS 4 AND 5. INTERESTED STUDENTS MUST CONTACT THE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT OR THE PROGRAM COORDINATOR TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY. GUIDANCE STAFF:

CURRICULUMWORKING WTH BREAKS

English: Students in the STJALA English program study literature, writing, and speech. The emphasis is on learning critical thinking and developing communication skills skills they will use for the rest of their lives. The materials they study range from classical plays to modern novels and films. Students are encouraged to interpret what they have read and view and to share their ideas in essays, discussions, stories, and poems. Social Studies: Students in the STJALA Social Studies program study history, economics, current events, and civics. The social studies course emphasizes the importance of being involved in current events and the society around the student. The course also offers students the opportunity to learn more about the history of our world and how it relates to the world of today. Students are encouraged to broaden their horizons and interpret the course content in a way that allows them to become better citizens in our society. Math:

complete work on more advanced topics if desired. Science: The science component of the STJALA program explores topics in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. While all students are expected to meet same standards to complete the Science requirement, varying levels of ability and learning styles are recognized and embraced. Students are encouraged to learn in the ways that they learn best, and there is ample opportunity for one on one instruction during the regular class period. Throughout the course, students acquire science knowledge, and, more importantly, fluency with that knowledge through a variety of inquiry activities and assignments. By the end of the program, they will have a variety of first-hand experiences with science concepts, and critical thinking skills that they can use for the rest of their lives.

BROCHURE IDEAS

KIRA WELLNER, 507-375-3381 STEVE WITCRAFT, 507-375-3381 BUILDING PRINCIPAL: TED SIMON, 507-375-3381 Within the Math curriculum, students analyze both the theory and application of mathematical concepts. Each individual is expected to be able to apply formulas and theorems learned in the classroom to areas in their daily life. Opportunities are also available for students to