The first year of an Albert Lea Area Schools program that is assisting eighth- and ninth-grade students in core subjects has been a success, according to district officials.

Albert Lea High School Principal Mark Grossklaus and Albert Lea High School Assistant Principal Jeff Halverson presented the progress of the Academy program last week to the Albert Lea School Board. 

Grossklaus said he is seeing students grow academically and socially in the program that provides more personalized instruction and guidance throughout the school day in English, social studies and science, as well as a foundations course that helps students organize their material and increase understanding of other core classes.

The number of failing grades has reportedly dropped considerably among participants in the first year of the program. 

The program is helping the district achieve a 90 percent graduation rate; just under 70 students in each grade are taking part in the course. 

Director of Secondary Programs Kathy Niebuhr said the program is helping students transition from middle school level courses to high school level courses with support to help students be successful.

 

“We are very pleased with the students’ progress and increasing progress and increasing comfort and success with high school level curricula,” Niebuhr said.

Grossklaus and Halverson said the program has developed a family-like atmosphere.

Students were selected based on test scores and teacher recommendations. Halverson was reportedly able to work with Southwest Middle School last year to identify students who were struggling academically.

District officials want the program to ensure students are successful, gain skills and confidence, and advance academically and socially before they advance to 10th grade.

Halverson said a parent has told him she has noticed a turnaround from her child based on the program’s structure that has allowed him to stay on top of his school work. The program allows the district to stop students from falling through the cracks, he said.

Halverson and Grossklaus said they will have a more detailed update on the course at the end of the school year.

They hope to continue to improve the program’s selection process and ensure a better experience for students. 

District officials are also conducting after-school tutoring and busing, along with a credit recovery course. They are working with truancy officers through Freeborn County to reduce truancy and improve school attendance. An additional truancy officer, Alex Routh, is working with Albert Lea High School students and families.

Academy program helping students succeed