By the time teens graduate from high school, they will have spent the equivalent of six years in the presence of teachers. Schools therefore can play a key role in how the rest of our lives turn out. Because of this influence, parents may expect a great deal from our community's schools.  School districts must meet the needs of the so-called average student and the student with special needs. Teachers are asked to challenge gifted students and mentor those who may struggle more.  Patch has highlighted the Alternative Education Program in the Parkway School District over the past five weeks. …

As part of our "Alternatives in Education" series, we're talking to the people closest to Parkway School District's six alternative programs. This week, we asked Amelia Baum, a teacher involved with the Missouri Options Program, an alternative education program, a few questions.  (Read Previous Story: Missouri Options Provides Path to High School Diploma) Patch:  How did you become involved in alternative education? Amelia Baum:  I started teaching in 1982 at community college and taught predominantly in alternative ed. Patch:  What are  your responsibilities as the ony teacher in the …

The Missouri Option Program is the last tool in the toolbox; it's at-risk students' last opportunity to earn a diploma. Parkway School District has participated in Missouri Option Program since 2006. Requirements are set by the state and implemented and funded by the school district.  “Students who choose this program realize it’s their last chance,” said Amelia Baum, who teaches the program in Parkway. “Students are thinking ‘Either I get my diploma through (Missouri Option), or I’m a dropout,’ and they’re right.” In a presentation at the Parkway school board's June meeting, district …

As part of our "Alternatives in Education" series, we're talking to the people closest to Parkway School District's six alternative programs. This week, we asked Scott Maue, a teacher in the PACE program, a few questions. PACE is a semester-long, alternative program for senior high students. The program is housed at the Instructional Services Center. Chesterfield Patch: How long have you been an educator? Scott Maue: I’ve been with Parkway as a PACE teacher in communication arts for five years. Previously, I taught at Riverview Gardens High School. Patch: What skills require improvement in …

In high school, many students buckle down and rack up great grades and high GPAs in the quest for college scholarships. But for some students, adapting to high school coursework and higher expectations can be a struggle. The Parkway School District offers several alternative programs to address behavioral and academic problems which prevent at-risk students from thriving in school. The district's semester-long PACE program aims to help high school students reboot through a structured program that emphasizes student accountability.  Parkway’s program enrolls fifty students per semester who …

As part of our "Alternatives in Education" series, we're talking to the people closest to Parkway School District's six alternative programs. This week, we asked Diana Schumacher, a teacher in the REACH Program, a few questions. REACH is a yearlong, alternative program, housed at the Instructional Services Center, for struggling eighth-grade students. Chesterfield Patch: What is your background in education? Diana Schumacher: I've taught for 21 years, all in the Parkway schools. I joined the REACH program when it began four years ago. Patch: Were you involved in developing the program? …

Say your seventh-grade student is struggling in school. You get regular notes from teacher about missed assignments, and it seems the principal is always calling home with another discipline issue. Is there anything to be done? What if there were a way to hit the reset button, giving your student a chance to change his or her behavior and get back on track? In the Parkway School District, there is. REACH is a special curriculum for struggling eighth-grade Parkway students. The program’s goal is to pinpoint and alter student behaviors that negatively impact the learning environment and a …

As part of our "Alternatives in Education" series, we're talking to the people closest to Parkway School District's six alternative programs. This week, we asked Joel May, a teacher at the Alternative Discipline Center, a few questions. The Alternative Discipline Center provides suspended students with an opportunity to stay on top of their classwork and keep learning. Chesterfield Patch: What is your educational background? Joel May: I have an undergraduate degree in English and a graduate degree in education, both from Missouri Baptist University. Patch: How has your education and life …

Here’s how it used to work: Misbehave in class, and you’re suspended. You miss school. You fall behind. In the Parkway School District, things are different. Misbehave in class and you can be suspended. But instead of missing school, you’re destined for the Alternative Discipline Center. The program serves students who get suspended for more than 10 days in grades six through 12. Last year, 225 students in the district attended the program, which allows troubled students to keep up with their classes, but keeps them out of their original classrooms. Since 2002, 70 percent of students who were…