Kirkwood School Board Evaluates Special Programs

The Kirkwood School Board evaluated the performance of special district programs, such as ATLAS, VISTA and ELL, at its meeting earlier this week.

Romona Miller, assistant principal at Kirkwood High School, and Kelly Nevins, ATLAS department chair, presented a report on the Alternatives Toward Learning and Success program, known as ATLAS at the past meeting of the Kirkwood School Board.

There are currently 86 students enrolled in ATLAS, attending special after-school and summer programs to help them recover lost credit and get back on track to academic success. Students apply to the ATLAS program for a variety of reasons, from disability to family illness to teen parenthood.

The program offers small class sizes and a 1:6 teacher-student ratio, allowing teachers to give each student individual attention and emotional support. Part of the positive feedback from students was that the program made them feel like someone cared whether they succeeded or not, according to the presentation by the school officials.

The data shows that ATLAS students showed a 25 percent increase in GPA this year, with 16 of them achieving the honor roll and three making it to the high honor roll. Daily attendance rose three percent, and the number of referrals dropped by 56 percent.

The VISTA program is an alternative school, serving both Kirkwood and Webster Groves school districts, that offers a top tier of academic intervention for students that are struggling even in the ATLAS Program. These students are sometimes facing long-term suspensions at their home schools, or are at risk of dropping out.

The program offers highly-structured instruction for three hours a day, combined with dual enrollment at the high schools or community college. Julie Redington, principal of VISTA and the presenter that evening, said that the program focuses on the whole student, not just his or her academics. The teachers teach at the students' pace, adapt their teaching styles to match the students' learning styles, rather than the other way around.

There are currently 122 students enrolled in VISTA, 63 percent of whom are from Kirkwood High School and 25 percent from Webster Groves High School, and the rest from a handful of middle schools.

Redington mentioned that Webster Groves has expressed interest in offering more seats in the program to its students. Board member John Glunt asked how many more staff would be required to grant that request, and Redington replied that it is more an issue of space than staff.

She said the teachers could effectively handle a few more students per class, but the program's current space has classrooms large enough for eight computer stations. Glunt suggested to the board that this is something to go on "the wish list."

Superintendent Tom Williams asked Redington to talk about the difference the program has seen since it has become a part of Kirkwood School District, rather than being part of The Collaborative School shared by Brentwood, Clayton and Ladue School Districts.

She responded that being housed in the Hough Technology Center instead of in a business park has helped the students see VISTA as a continuation of their home schools rather than a punishment. It has also allowed teachers to be more flexible and creative in how they meet the student's needs.

Glunt remarked that programs like ATLAS and VISTA are examples of the district's commitment to provide a quality education for every child in its care.

"While we hear the naysayers say, 'Why is enrollment flat and yet your costs continue to go up,' this is an example of it. And I offer no apology for the fact that we continue to spend more money to continue to get great results," Glunt said.

Board president Scott Stream commented on the fact that over the course of the meeting, they were presented with the achievements of gifted students who have gone above and beyond, and with programs that help struggling students and those with special needs achieve academic success.

"This district has kids all along the spectrum. Yet this district puts resources that help make each one of those kids better on that spectrum, from gifted to those with special needs," he said. "It's heartwarming to be part of a district that makes a difference in a child's life."

In other school board business, the board voted to approve curriculum revisions in special education courses at Kirkwood High School. One of the revised courses will teach study skills that students can apply in all areas of their education and, later, their careers. The other will teach practical math skills and help special needs students apply these skills to their lives.

The board also elected members to serve on various committees. Andy Stewart will serve as the representative to the Kirkwood School District Foundation and the Special School District Governing Council. Heidi Meckes will be the alternate representative to the Special School District Governing Council, and serve on the revenue committee along with Angie Bay.

John Glunt will be the board's representative on the Wellness Committee, and Kathy Harris will be the delegate to the Missouri School Boards Association. E.J. Miller will be the alternate delegate to the MSBA, and also serve on the Cooperating School District Legislative Committee.

After the meeting, the board held a closed session to discuss personnel issues.