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Administrator’s Corner by Johanna Thomas

It may be the last week of March, but program planning is well underway for the Albert Lea Area Learning Center summer programs. Targeted Services (Tiger Tails) and Credit Recovery are two programs the ALC coordinates in the summer. This year, these programs will be held Monday through Thursday, June 3 to 28.

The Tiger Tails program is for students in first through eighth grades. This program is available to students who would benefit from additional academic support to meet grade level standards, be a multi-language learner or meet other criteria as recommended by their classroom teacher. Tiger Tails also provides additional opportunities such as Experiential Education programming. Students will have weekly learning at the rock wall and boat house with Experiential Education staff along with taking other field trips. These experiences address academic, social and emotional learning as well as opportunity gaps by providing alternative and new experiences than what may occur in the traditional school day.

The Credit Recovery program allows high school students from Albert Lea Schools and neighboring communities to retake courses that are required for graduation after an unsuccessful attempt at their high school. Students attend class with licensed teachers and recover required courses in order to maintain progress toward high school graduation. Students do not retake the entire course, but are assessed in the course content to show what they have already learned and what they still need to work on to meet the course standards. Students who complete summer Credit Recovery successfully are better prepared to move forward with their next year of high school. Knowing that they have completed courses that will put them back on track to high school graduation instills confidence in themselves.

Summer Tiger Tails and Credit Recovery programs are taught by licensed district teachers, who share their expertise beyond the traditional school year. Students are also provided breakfast and lunch at no cost to families through the summer lunch program. As a result of the efforts and coordination of district teachers, staff and community organizations, learning opportunities certainly do not stop on May 22.

Johanna Thomas is principal of the Albert Lea Area Learning Center.