Three programs in place to increase graduation rate

Three programs, geared toward helping students graduate and experience success in their future endeavors, are currently being offered at LCHS.

The newest is the Credit Recovery program, which is designed to give students who have been unsuccessful in select classes the opportunity to earn credits online.

According to Regina Reid, graduation coach and Credit Recovery facilitator at LCHS, "This program is different from the traditional classroom model because students have already met the required 'seat time' and don't have to attend class. It is similar in that students must complete outside assignments and take tests. They must also take an End-of- Course Test (EOCT) if one is required for the class."

At the outset of the program, students are given a pre-test to determine where they need to start their course of study. They then work independently at their own pace to earn credits.

Offered through Georgia Virtual High School by the Georgia Department of Education, Credit Recovery allows students to complete courses with limited assistance from a local school monitor or teacher. The program can be accessed from anywhere there is Internet access.

Moreover, the variable log-in requirements, along with an extended time frame for completing the course, give schools the flexibility necessary to implement the program for a variety of students. Participants are not bound by deadlines unless graduation is imminent.

Credit Recovery is not for a student who needs one-on-one help or did not get a basic understanding of the course content the first time he attempted the course.

In other comments, Reid, the program facilitator, said parents should discuss Credit Recovery with their children as well as Ellen Butler, school counselor, to determine if the program is a good choice for those needing to earn credits for classes they have not passed.

In essence, the purpose of the program is to ensure that students earn the credits needed to graduate. The "online grade" will not replace the failing grade on the participant's transcript.

"To kick off Credit Recovery this fall, the state offered Algebra I and Physical Science classes," noted Reid. "Next semester, the list will expand to include Language Arts (grades 9-11), Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, American Government, United States History, World History, and World Geography."

The Georgia Department of Education has funded 5,000 full units of credit for the year.

Classes are held in the technology lab at LCHS on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:15 to 5 p.m.

A second program being offered at the high school is Peer Tutoring. "This initiative has students helping their fellow classmates master difficult concepts taught in the classroom," according to Reid. "Students, who have been successful in various academic classes, are recommended by teachers to serve as peer tutors."

These tutoring sessions are also held in the technology lab from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.

Students should contact the graduation coach to make arrangements for peer tutoring.

Another program, which has been established at LCES and LCMS as well as LCHS, is the Mentor Program.

"This program focuses on assisting students in making positive life choices, having a better attitude toward school, building self-esteem and self-awareness, and maximizing their potential to become productive citizens," said Reid. "The mentors for the program are expected to be caring, committed, and responsible adults, who are willing to devote a minimum of one hour weekly to their students."

Training, fingerprinting, and background checks are required before individuals can serve as mentors.

The Mentor Program's advisory team is comprised of educators and representatives of the community at large. The members of the advisory team are Reid; Shawn Davis, graduation coach at LCMS; Dr. Becky Barden, LCHS principal; Ellen Butler, high school counselor; LCMS teacher Sandra Aycock; Carolyn Zellars, high school secretary; Nancy Blount, director of Lincoln County Family Connection; Susan Defoor, Defoor Realty; and Frances Kennedy and Evelyn Norman, retired educators.

Anyone interested in volunteering to mentor a student may call Regina Reid at 706-359-3121 or Shawn Davis at 706-359-3069.

Concerning other news from LCHS, Reid welcomed Susan Heitmann of H&H Industrial Maintenance as the school's first-ever volunteer community coach.

The role of the community coach is to work in partnership with the graduation coach, assess the school's needs as a volunteer from the business community, and provide whatever support possible. The coach functions as a liaison between the school and the community, enlisting support, recruiting mentors and volunteers, sharing ideas and concerns, and serving as a community-based advisor.

"Mrs. Heitmann has already started working on behalf of LCHS by having the safety coordinator at H&H Industrial Maintenance speak to a small group of students concerning the importance of job safety," stated Reid. "She is also planning to allow students to 'job shadow' her employees, which will hopefully encourage other businesses to do the same."

In general remarks, the graduation coach said, "Students who graduate from high school are more likely to get better jobs and earn more money compared to those who drop out. These three programs will address the obstacles that hinder students from obtaining a high school diploma."

She went on to say, "The dropout rate affects everyone, causing more people to rely on public assistance and resulting in higher taxes and a higher unemployment rate.

"When businesses look at sites for relocation or expansion, they are very interested in the dropout rate in the community because most entry level jobs require a high school diploma."

In conclusion, Reid said, "We hope that all of our local businesses and citizens will be supportive of our efforts to increase the graduation rate at LCHS and make our community a great place for young people and businesses to flourish."