Treatment Abuse, Behavior Modification, Thought Reform > The Ridge Creek School / Hidden Lake Academy
Academics
RobertBruce:
I admire your integrity and your passion for teaching, espically in such a non supportive enviornment such as HLA.
I think the only thing I would really take issue with is your mention of HLA being a "second chance". A second chance means youre given the benefit of a doubt. At HLA youre just told what a horrible person you are and you broke your parents heart.
I wish you the best of luck.
MCP:
Thank you very much. I really do appreciate it. Just to clarify, when I said "second chances" I meant academically: the fact that students who are having a hard time or have something big going on can re-take a test or make up an assignment. In college or on the job, it is rare that a professor or boss will let you re-do it for reasons other than death in the family. That is all I meant by that. my comments will never be directed at Therapeutics...that is definitely not my area.
To answer another post from a while back, the reason for the schedule change is simply that when something doesn't work, we change it. For instance, sports were interfering with both academics and Reals when students have to leave early to travel. But sports are very important; we shifted the schedule a bit and now the three do not conflict at all.
Anonymous:
--- Quote ---On 2005-11-30 19:55:00, MCP wrote:
"Yes, this is Molli...spell my name right at least. That is no secret, I just assumed that most of you wouldn't know me. The whole point of academic support and all is to give students every opportunity NOT to fail. Students are required to study and apply themsleves, but those who refuse fail. The point is not to have "easy" academics. The point is that since students are on campus the majority of the time, there are fewer distractions and no real reasons to fail. Not only do they have all of their teachers available, our Learning Center is awesome and those who have real learning needs are more than cared for. Back to the issue: many fail simply because they want to. To answer your question, this is my first FULL semester at HLA so I do not have any who failed LAST semester but I have many who are failing or are borderline failing right now. My goal is not to have a lot of failing students...I spend a lot of soap box time trying to convince my students that college (life in general, really) does not give second chances like HLA.
I cannot argue with any of your experiences at HLA--I do not know you. But I can tell you this: the first reason that I love working at HLA is my students. They are all bright and capable (WILLING is a subject for another day). I think I have some of the most creative teenagers on the planet in me classes. The second reason I love working at HLA is because of the teachers I am working with. I have wanted to be a teacher ever since I was in highschool myself. For me teaching highschool was my goal NOT a back-up career. I know my colleagues feel the same. That is a great thing at any workplace."
--- End quote ---
Anonymous:
I have been employed with Hidden Lake Academy for over a year. I am a teacher and enjoy my job. I will not address any opions regarding the therapeutic program in this message. While you may not wish to read this lengthy overview, please note that this information is current and based on evaluation of student/staff input in an effort to better the academic program at HLA. Yes, there have been some weaknesses in the past. However, I cannot attest to them. Today is a new day.
During my time (remember, just one year), I have seen the following:
- The re-birth of the Learning Center with a certified Special Education teacher who holds two certifications from the state of Georgia and 9 years of teaching experience. In addition, there are three teaching assistants that work with the students to meet their learning differences. The Learning Center is not just for students with Learning Disabilities. We have moved the honors program in the Learning Center and are working to overhaul it to challenge students to reach their potential.
- We have increased the number of teachers to 19 in an effort to ensure the 9:1 student to teacher ratio
- We are constantly working to upgrade the library and the resources if offers. In October, HLA purchased a brand new computer lab complete with 10 individual student stations, printers, and the appropriate software for student use. In addition, the Learning Center was given two 21-inch monitors to address those students with slight sight disabilities.
- Students returning from RCI are now assigned a wilderness coordinator to assist them in completing any missed work. One of these coordinators travels to RCI for 2 hours per day to work with students who wish to keep up with their studies. There is also a former curriculum specialist now employed at RCI as a full-time teacher. She is certified and really making great changes there.
- Teachers are provided with frequent in-service traning seminars on both curriculum/teaching trends and therapeutic issues that pertain to the classroom (i.e. self-injury, crisis management, addiction, ODD, and learning differences)
- Teachers and counselors have more regular meetings to discuss the needs of individual students. Our retention rate is soaring and the stability of the academic program is really benefitting the currently enrolled students.
- The Daily schedule has changed and allowed us the following:
* 4 hours a week on mandated tutoring which has significantly lowered the number of students on the incomplete list (those below a 70% or missing 2 or more assignments)
* We placed all therapeutic programs in the afternoon and evening not to coincide with academics
* We have upgraded our SAT Prep program to include the new version of the SAT
* Incorporated a 15-minute homeroom assignend by peer group to allow a teacher to bond with a particular peer group and dialogue or disseminate information
Now, I understand that some students, parents, and former employees have had some bad and not so bad experiences at HLA. I respect your opionion with regards to your experience. However, if you took time to discover what HLA is all about today, I think you will find a more committed staff that really puts the student's learning needs first. Yes, therapeutics is a priority at HLA (otherwise, we wouldn't be here), but the college-preparatory program is becoming a true benchmark in therapeutic education.
We are not there yet, but with time, hard work, and dedicated teachers like myself and my peers, I think Hidden Lake Academy will really be a warm and enriching environment for its students.
I understand you have the right to post or not to post my comments. I hope you would be willing to afford me to share what is going on at campus today. Thank you for your consideration.
Oh...Mollie is a dynamic teacher whom I am proud to serve with. Thank you for reading respecting her posts!
P.S. For those that choose to focus on my anonymity,I apologize for your view of the world.
Anonymous:
--- Quote ---On 2006-02-21 06:38:00, Anonymous wrote:
"I have been employed with Hidden Lake Academy for over a year. I am a teacher and enjoy my job. I will not address any opions regarding the therapeutic program in this message.
--- End quote ---
How convenient. Will you at least answer this? Is HLA licensed as a theraputic center or an academic school?
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