The National At-Risk Education Network

NARENnews

Lynn Stoddard

2011 Conference Update:
Conference Opener Announced!

Lynn Stoddard will speak on the Conference Theme: EDUCATING FOR HUMAN GREATNESS!

Lynn is a revolutionary octogenarian. Nothing slows the man down except a bad night of bowling. He has 36 years experience in education as teacher and principal. Lynn originated — along with a group of his teachers — the concept of Educating for Human Greatness and has been fleshing it out ever since. His new book, by the same title, was published in March of 2010 (and is for sale on the NAREN website) and offers up, finally, the answers — the Paradigm Shift — we have all been looking for in education. You must come hear Lynn speak to clearly see what has been missing and how to add it back into our schools — public, charter, alternative, and private alike! —so that education can be that thing we hate to miss and love to run towards!

DeForest Wisconsin New Reflections Program Earns First Gold NAREN Certification!

Hidden away in rural Wisconsin beneath a Library lurks one of the most progressive ALTARED (ALTernative At-Risk EDucation) programs in the Midwest, if not the nation. On October 1st, Dr. Anthony Dallmann-Jones, Director of NAREN awarded DeForest High School's New Reflections the coveted NAREN Nine Certification Award. "I personally travelled to DeForest to award this plaque to Liza Verhelst, Coordinator of the program, because I had to see in person this extraordinary program for their junior and seniors. New Reflections — now in its ninth year — is a living, breathing truth that it CAN BE DONE. School can be an enjoyable, enthusing, close-knit community where learning at a high level can and is happening and going well."

Plaque being given by Dr. Dallmann-Jones to Liza Verhelst and her staff

New Reflections, the DeForest Area Alternative Program began in 1999. The program was originally funded through a five-year grant issued by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. The alternative program is now fully funded through DeForest Area High School. New Reflections was established in response to an increased at-risk population in the high school and the need to address their specific educational needs.

The alternative program provides an off-site learning environment for 15 to 25 students in the 11th and 12th grades. The program provides the opportunity to create positive working relationships and the chance for students to reconnect with the community. To support this effort, New Reflections is located in the downstairs level of the DeForest Area Public Library. This allows students and staff access to the library, a large classroom and the use of a fourteen-station computer lab.

In order to continue funding and ensure future success of the program, New Reflections students are expected to strive to meet four main goals. First, students must maintain a 90% or better attendance rate. This includes both excused and unexcused absences, tardies and individually missed classes. Second, students must remain alcohol and drug free while attending the alternative program. If use is suspected, a parent will be contacted, and the student will be requested to attend an alcohol and other drug abuse assessment program. This request may occur at the student's orientation meeting. The student will be required to follow the AODA assessment recommendations and/or treatment plans to continue in the alternative program. Third, students are expected to attain credits needed for graduation and to work toward their highest potential. Finally, students must follow the New Reflections non-harassment policy, show respect for other students and staff and treat the program facilities with care.

Dr. Dallmann-Jones with students and staff of New Reflections

Learn more about the NAREN certification process!